Today I've been reflecting a lot as 2016 comes to a close. When I've thought about this year, my first thought is, man, this has been a really rough year, I'm ready for it to be over!
The main thing that goes over and over in my head is Justin losing his job in April. It truly rocked our world more than anyone will ever know. We didn't talk about it a ton and really besides a few family members and a couple of friends I don't really think anyone knew what a devastation it was. The pay and type of job it was, along with Justin truly loving it and being good at it we had finally thought "YES, finally, we are set". But along with that was literally amazing health coverage for the entire family paid for by the company in FULL. Unheard of. We were so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity and only enjoyed that feeling for three months before the rug was ripped out from beneath our feet, literally. I can't say that my blood doesn't boil even typing this out and I still have a lot of problems with bitterness towards this issue. God is working on me.
Along with this, I bought a brand new vehicle that I hate, my grandpa had life altering surgery that had all of us worried to death, and there were two other friends (more like family) that had health issues this year that had us all on our knees praying, and also walking along side other family members as they struggled with infertility and the devastation that came with that.
Through all of this God has remained faithful. Through the job loss He never once left our side. He provided Justin with other opportunities that even though may not have been "our" plan, He has provided through it and truly has us relying and trusting in Him every day. We also grew so much closer together! We haven't figure out the "why" to the job loss, but then again we may never know it. Thinking that we could've been "comfortable" with this other job and relying on that instead of God could've been a reason. We really don't know. We still sometimes ask "why", especially when we're still seeking the best option for health coverage. Aren't we all-ha.
This year was also filled with more hate than I've ever seen with this presidential election. Things keep getting more and more scary out there.
As I reflect through all these things, I'm also thankful for them. It really makes me open my eyes and realize these are big things, but nothing compared to what other people have gone through and are currently going through. Also, Justin has a job now, my Grandpa came through great and has been doing well, the two friends with health issues are doing well and the family members that struggled with infertility for a year are now expecting in June! Praise the Lord! He is faithful.
I met with one of my best friends for dinner last night. Although I feel like when she moved and I had a child we drifted slightly. However, through this year we have made a conscious effort to renew the friendship. I heard a saying the other day that I find to be super true. "A friendship that has lasted 7 years is a friendship that will last a lifetime". I agree! I've had a ton of "friends" come in and out of my life just in the last 5 years. One I know will truly be a lifelong friendship, the others just left my life, and the ones I've had my entire life I still have! It's like a plant though, you have to water the friendship for it to remain alive! Anyhow off of that rabbit trail, at dinner she talked about the things she had gone through this year and how she wouldn't take any of it back because her relationship with God grew so much. It inspired me. I tend to put God in a box way too often. I'm a planner and I have to do it all myself. Today as I was stressing about more things that needed to be accomplished this year, I decided since Quinn was napping I just needed to write in my journal to God about the things I was feeling and give them to Him instead of carrying all of the weight on my shoulders. I ended up in Psalm 37 and it really spoke to me in what I was thinking about.
My goal for this year is to strengthen my relationship with Him. He's the foundation for everything and is the only true way I'll be happy and joyful, able to fill others once my cup is filled. Here's to a great 2017!
I made a conscious effort to take my camera to events around Christmas time this year even though I get really tired of taking pictures since I do it every day! I'm really thankful that I did because photos are the only way to preserve memories. I already have my 2016 year book made and ordered--phew! Plus, we have no pictures at all with my Grandma Findling and this year I decided we were going to take some! Enjoy!
�� i love you! Im so thankful for your friendship!
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