Every year always has its share of surprises. In many ways this year was full of normal and routine. But somehow at the finish line looking back, this is many ways where I never could have predicted to be. 12 months is a long time. Time for so much growth and development.
This year I spent a whole year at the same job. Not the first time in my life to do that, but still always notable. My life has come with a lot of transition In the way of careers. Joshi has also spent his third year working at our church. Even in 3 years, I still am sometimes In awe of that opportunity and provision. This year has brought so much growth and opportunity for him as he got to develop a skills set for graphic and web design, as well as Work at a Christian school. Both things I honestly wouldn’t have really even have guessed going into this year.
We transitioned from being a part of a changing but awesome small group, to leading it. Again, not something I planned or felt ready for. But a huge blessing all the same.
We didn’t even know on January 1 that we would have a new niece. Now she is 3 months and completely adorable.
We got to see so many of our friends get married or engaged. Accept new jobs and opportunities. Welcome new additions to their own families. The biggest surprise was finding out we were expecting a baby of our own.
Walking into the new year, we weren’t even sure if this would be the year we start planning a family. Early in the year, we prayed heavily over adoption, thinking maybe this was the year. And on a whim trusted God with our family timeline and opened ourselves up to whatever God had planned. We end the year so close to welcoming a boy of own. God’s provision had been abundant.
From quality time with friends to restful times at home this year has been beautiful. We have had our share of traveling and drives to see our family. We have truly soaked up our time at home, full of friends and our obnoxiously spoiled puppies.
This year has had its ups and downs. We have learned a lot. We have grown a lot. We have failed a decent amount. We have let people down a few times. We have celebrated well. All in all it was a good year. Not an earth shattering year, but one I can look back on fondly.
In many ways, I believe this year God was preparing us for more changes. It was a slow realization that transition was coming. 2017 started with no real change on the horizon. Over the last 365 days, there has been change here and there or at least the hint of it. Moves, decisions, births, marriages, opportunities have happened around us, even if not necessarily to us. 2018 holds the promise of lots of change.
Little did we know 2017 was our last year as a family of 2.(I say 4 but not everyone counts the pups). 2018 holds moves for close friends. A likely adjustment in my work plans. And a new little human to love, keep alive, and shepherd. It holds a change of roles, a change of time spent. God is our constant. He is our shepherd, our provider, our teacher, and the giver of good things. The idea of a resolution is a little overwhelming this year. My goal is just to transition into motherhood as well as I can. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. I’m not sure it will bring about my best self. It definitely doesn’t mean my priority will be loosing 20 pounds anytime soon (as is such a common resolution.)
This year I want to be open to what God has for us. To embrace change. To love those around us well. And to keep seeking and following the Lord. It will be a good year, because God is good.