For some reason I didn’t give much thought to the fact that
yesterday was the last day of the year.
Maybe it’s because once you enter the working world, New Year’s Eve
feels pretty much just like any other Saturday night. I did, however, start yesterday, December 31,
2012, by Instagram-ing the following picture and accompanying caption:
At the time, it was just another beautiful sunrise over Mt.
Washington and an obvious choice for a witty remark.
But as the rhythms of closing out a year played on around me,
I felt the Lord tell me that I really do need to do some “telling”.
“I will recount
the steadfast love of the Lord, the
praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness
to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according
to the abundance of his steadfast love.” (Isaiah 63:7)
And so I want to proclaim some of what the Lord has done
this year. Some of what He has taught
me. Some of the places He has taken
me. Some of the blessings He has given
me.
Granted, each of the 365 days of this year was a gift, so
this list is not nearly comprehensive.
But let us give Him praise!
In 2012, the Lord…
Strengthened my
relationships with Thomas, MK, and Pete despite the four of us being the
furthest we’ve ever been from each other (physically). He allowed us to text, ask advice, laugh,
fight, and be an encouragement to one another.
Gave me wonderfully
valuable time with the “Oxygenites”—my first and enduring community of brothers
and sisters in Christ.
Taught me, through
experience, more than I ever knew about spiritual warfare. He helped me learn how to equip myself with
the armor of God. I learned how to truly
FIGHT through my emotions and circumstances and stand on the truth of God’s
word.
Led me through a difficult
season of anxiety, depression, and a general feeling that I had lost myself and
had no control over my emotions and reactions.
He brought me wise counsel, gracious friends and family, and freed me to
accept God’s sovereign control over my life.
(I am still learning how to give Him that control each day.)
Cultivated in me a
deep love for Scripture. Most days now I
long to read His Word!
Provided me with my
first full-time, big-girl job with a salary.
Through a string of
summer weddings and God’s grace, allowed me to see my family a lot. Gave me new appreciation for the
relationships that will always be there, and taught me about treasuring the
short times I get with them.
Let me move back to
the city (complete with a Pittsburgh mailing address) after a nine-month stint
in Sewickley. I fell in love all over
again with the skyline, narrow streets with lots of people, and 376 East and
West.
Gave me precious time
with both sets of my grandparents. Helped
me realize how incredibly blessed I am to have generations of family members
who value teaching their kids how to serve the Lord.
Gave me the
opportunity to be a bridesmaid two times over!
Blessed me with rich, long-lasting friendships and so many earthly
symbols of His commitment to us.
Opened my eyes to more
of the spiritual realities around me, largely in part from writing in my new
blog.
Brought me new and
unexpected friendships with people of different ages, backgrounds, and life
stages and encouraged my soul through each one of them.
Let me go on some
dates; taught me new things about myself and how to like myself more. Gave me the privilege of being served.
Provided me humbling opportunities
to lead others in worship—puhhhhrayyyyze HIM!
Gave me new
appreciation for His creation and sunlight by allowing me to fall in like with
running (wouldn’t quite call it “falling in love”).
All glory and honor to Him in 2012, 2013, and forever! I am so thankful :)
