The other day, I read on another blog, a post about reviewing the year. The author posted several questions as a starting point to use in reflecting on the past 12 months. It was an interesting exercise, so I thought I'd post my own simplified version.
*Trip to Alberta to visit our son and his family
*Being a friend when it wasn’t popular to do so
*The birth of three grandchildren!
2. What were the major themes of the past year?
*Changes for Mom & Dad – the move from the farm, and Dad’s poor health and subsequent death
*Unresolved conflict
*Changes for Mom & Dad – the move from the farm, and Dad’s poor health and subsequent death
*Unresolved conflict
3. What disappointments or regrets did you experience?
*Disappointment in people I trusted
*I regret not taking a stronger stand for what is right.
*I regret wasting a lot of time due to unwillingness to make difficult choices.
4. What was missing from the past year?
*Clear direction or vision
*An abundant spiritual life
*A close relationship with my daughters and grandchildren
*Clear direction or vision
*An abundant spiritual life
*A close relationship with my daughters and grandchildren
5. What did you learn from the past year?
*No matter what a person’s position, we all make mistakes.
*No matter what a person’s position, we all make mistakes.
Admitting to mistakes is a humbling experience, but it makes you a better person and resolves a lot of problems. (learned long ago, but reaffirmed this year)
*I need to do the right thing according to God’s word, no matter what someone else thinks I should do. (learned long ago but reaffirmed)
*Confronting issues rather than hoping they will resolve themselves never works. (also learned long ago, but reaffirmed)
*History truly does repeat itself!
*I know less this year than I thought I knew last year.
When I was finishing writing my book, "Stepping Stones Along My Journey," in 2008, I kept thinking, "Maybe I should wait; surely I'll be wiser next year! I've experienced so little....do I really have anything to say that's going to be a help to people?" I find myself feeling that way again, or perhaps, still........feeling that at the age of 51, surely I should be wiser, life should be simpler, the future clearer, more settled. 2009 has been a difficult year in many ways.....uncertainty about our foster daughter's future, some health issues for myself, Brian and Jerry, Mom and Dad's move from the farm, Dad's deteriorating health, and finally his recent death, but the most difficult has been an ongoing uncertainty about God's direction for our lives. Brian and I have spent the past year praying for a specific miracle and waiting on God's answer to some difficult questions....a miracle that we now know isn't going to happen. We have our answer, and our future is becoming a little clearer, but it doesn't mean the path ahead is going to be easier. But 2009 also had some wonderful highlights, such as the birth of three more grandchildren, and an answered prayer regarding our relationship with one of our daughters.
In spite of all the ups and downs of this past year, God has brought us through all the rocks and rubble on the road. If we just keep our eyes on him, he’ll lead the rest of the way. I'm so thankful that I don't have to know what is around the next curve in the road, I just have to trust the one who does!
*History truly does repeat itself!
*I know less this year than I thought I knew last year.
When I was finishing writing my book, "Stepping Stones Along My Journey," in 2008, I kept thinking, "Maybe I should wait; surely I'll be wiser next year! I've experienced so little....do I really have anything to say that's going to be a help to people?" I find myself feeling that way again, or perhaps, still........feeling that at the age of 51, surely I should be wiser, life should be simpler, the future clearer, more settled. 2009 has been a difficult year in many ways.....uncertainty about our foster daughter's future, some health issues for myself, Brian and Jerry, Mom and Dad's move from the farm, Dad's deteriorating health, and finally his recent death, but the most difficult has been an ongoing uncertainty about God's direction for our lives. Brian and I have spent the past year praying for a specific miracle and waiting on God's answer to some difficult questions....a miracle that we now know isn't going to happen. We have our answer, and our future is becoming a little clearer, but it doesn't mean the path ahead is going to be easier. But 2009 also had some wonderful highlights, such as the birth of three more grandchildren, and an answered prayer regarding our relationship with one of our daughters.
In spite of all the ups and downs of this past year, God has brought us through all the rocks and rubble on the road. If we just keep our eyes on him, he’ll lead the rest of the way. I'm so thankful that I don't have to know what is around the next curve in the road, I just have to trust the one who does!
How was your past year? Do you have any goals or plans for the coming year?
Looking forward to 2010!
Psalm 25:9 & 10 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
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