Goodbye 2013. You were a rough year. Full of what felt like so many downs with a few ups along the way. I am thankful for all you taught me, but I have to be honest and say I am glad to see you go. Two words given for the year: trust and unoffended. A year of trusting no matter what transpired. A year of learning to know when to release what this sensitive soul takes too personally, but also knowing when it’s necessary to confront an offense.
A year begun with a few months left waiting for this little one to arrive and then watching her grow before my eyes. A bright bit of sunshine in a rain drenched year.
A year of trusting He will lead us to the next step in His plan. Praying for a quiet coming year except for one major step. A move that has been on the horizon for some time, but one taken with months and more of prayer and waiting for His perfect timing.
Hello 2014.
It’s time to rest in all that God taught me over those long months of last year.
The trees are bare right now. Winter’s lace as a friend likes to call it. Beauty is just a glance above during these cold and often dreary winter months if we still ourselves long enough to look up. The bare trees fascinate me more each year. Each limb so unique. Each scene seems similar to others but somehow perfectly its own. Some days the sky a canvas of brilliant blue while others a blend of grey hues.
A flock of little birds flit back and forth between the smaller trees as I push myself back into an exercise routine. Braving the cold New Year’s Day temperatures, I walk outdoors as the gym is closed.
It strikes me as I walk in the January cold, looking up at the bare trees with birds unaware of the winter chill, that beauty will always appear when spring slowly and gently begins crowding out the lace the bare trees paint on the canvas sky.
Is it crazy to say I sense the same with the coming year? A hard year behind, but expectant of calm and rest in the months ahead. The one word He’s given foreshadowing this as well I think. Reminding me He knows when our spirits need quiet along with His peace. But more on that one word for the year ahead tomorrow.
Plans are swirling around in my head. Maybe it’s the freshness of a new year or trusting in the abilities and gifts He gives bringing me back to those things I love doing. So I pause reminding myself to give all the plans and desires to the One who gives every good and perfect gift.
I’ve joined a challenge to write 500 words a day in January needing a jumpstart back into blogging or at least giving it a valiant effort though I’m unsure if each day’s words will be shared here.
A 52 week photography challenge is also inspiring me. Especially after this week’s theme pushed me out into the cold and after thinking I didn’t capture what I had hoped only to open the photos for editing and realizing one image captured it more than I could have hoped. I’ll share it Friday.
So hello 2014. It’s nice to see you.
What are you hoping for in 2014?
