2022 proved to be one of the hardest years I have yet to endure. January 2022 was full of promise - and in February my world came to a screeching halt. Since then, my year has been hock full of emotions: redemption, sadness and despair, crippling anxiety, happiness, overwhelming joy, and everything in between.
When my mother passed away, it felt like time had suddenly frozen. I can still vividly remember the overwhelming feeling of being locked inside a car on a blistering hot summer day, desperately striving for a breath of fresh air, pounding on the windows, and yet, the world still kept turning. While I tried to focus on walking through my own grief, I felt the load of helping my father, who has dementia, process his own, The year has been challenging to say the least.
Don't get me wrong, the year has presented many blessings as well. In March, although a week or so early, we welcomed our second child into the world, we grew closer to our church family, we watched our loved ones conquer struggles head on and succeed, had the joy of watching our son continue to grow, and many other things. Perhaps most momentarily confusing, had been the overwhelming joy that has been present with the grief. As a believer, my earthly self has grieved the catastrophic loss of my mother, but my spiritual self has had unending joy and praise that she is no longer suffering, but dancing in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Through it all, I have stayed focus on one steadfast truth, one simply put at that - God is good. This truth put many things into perspective for me, and helped me through the toughest moments. I am thankful to God for the friends and family that he placed by my side to help me through this past year. God is merciful, full of grace, and immeasurable love for us. Every single day, no matter how we mess up, He is present and encouraging us along.
A surprising twist this year presented was the fire that God placed within me to help others. Ive always had a desire to help others and even tried a few different jobs that promised the opportunity to help, These jobs though, never seemed to line up or satisfy the need within, I always felt they backfired in some shape or form. We settled on our church home this year, a church that whole focuses on being a family and helping others through the lease of Christ. Through the tribulations, I felt a strong calling to encourage others through whatever life may throw at them in whatever capacity I found within myself to offer. I had several opportunities to practice this and through those, decided to start this outreach, if you will.
My hope is that this new year, I can RESTORE. Lets be honest, I will never be able to restore in the manner that our Lord Jesus does, but even a sliver will satisfy my soul. I hope the new year will help restore both you and I, and that we focus on Christ above all else. May we focus on what truly matters this year!
Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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