Reflections Upon The New Year

I am not sure where to begin this post.  I actually went back to last year’s post on the New Year to reflect a bit on how I was feeling at this time last year and after readng it, I needed some time to process about it.  If you get a moment, click back on that post and read it.  This past year has been full of so many significant events…I lost my job last December.  My place of employment closed down – I had been the director of a Child Care Center at my church.  I actually opened the Center in 2004.  Then in 2013, I had to close it.  Despite not being my fault, I felt like a failure.  I felt like there should have been something I could have done to change the course of events.  It was a year of confusion and sadness in many ways for me.  A year that I had to trust in the Lord to get me through and to lean on during uncertain times.  We went from a two-income family to a one-income family.  It was also a year that after many years of working full time plus, I  became a stay-at-home Mom.  That needs a post in and of itself so we can talk about that later.

This past year, my family felt the call of the Lord on our hearts to persue new ministry in a new town thus leaving our church and church family in Northeast PA and relocating to the Lancaster area for my husband to persue a new position at a  new church.  The move was the most significant event that occured last year.   My children entered new schools and my youngest began kindergarten!  My, how time flies!  We continue to have our home for sale up North which is something we pray on daily as it is now a burden for us to carry.  We are happily renting now.

This past year was filled with such mixed emotions – sadness, confusion, anxiety, happiness, excitement…it surely runs the gamet.  It was a year of spiritual growth as well.  I learned that I had to trust the Lord in any and all circumstances.  He came through and provided for my/our every need.  He even went above and beyond to provide more than I ever could have imagined. That is how good He is.

Last year, my goal for this year was to slow down and build better boundaries into my life.  My goal was to slow down and enjoy life.  Take in the moments.  Overall, I wanted to feel less overwhelmed.  Less stressed.  I am not sure how to sum up the year except to say that despite all of the crazy life  upheaval that occurred last year, my sense is one of peace right now.  Life has become more restful and relaxing.  I think I have built in better margin in my life.  My priorities are better focused now upon ministering to my girls.  I am there for them more this year than I was the year prior.  I am also better able to come alongside of my husband in his ministry.  My goal as his wife is to do so.  That is my role.  I am home now.  I do work part-time painting and selling furniture on the side via The Blessed Nest.  I am thankful for being able to do what I love.  The Nest has been very successful this year.  I have been painting up a storm.  I have even taken on more custom orders and this year, was given the opportunity to sell my pieces as a lovely local vintage boutique.  I am quite pleased with how things have been coming along with the Nest.  Painting is my outlet.  I am grateful to be able to do what I love and still be able to be there for my girls and my husband.

I don’t feel I am rushing through life.  I am taking it in.  Breathing.  I am missing old friendships (especially my closest girlfriends) since the move, but I am also greatly looking forward to the year ahead…a new home, new ministry opportunities, new business opportunities with the Nest, new enjoyment and time with my family, and a sense of hopefulness.  It was a year of closure and a year of opportunity.  I can’t wait to see what is next.  I am lovin’ this fresh start.

Bring it on.