So here we are! At the beginning of a brand new year, welcome 2014!
I've seen a lot of posts to do with this new year. Many people have said how 2013 was for them. It got me thinking, because majority of these either said they had a 'good year' or a 'bad year'. I wonder, what defines that? Is it how happy you've been in general? Is it whether things have gone your way or according to the plans you made?
You see, this year held many uncomfortable surprises for me. We faced hard circumstances that had huge effects on our family. I personally went through a lot of changes too, some of which I've previously written about in my blog. But then there has also been many wonderful blessings in my life this year too! So, how do I say if this year has been good for me or not?
I feel like in review of 2013, I'd rather look at A) where I was with God at the beginning of the year compared to B) where I am with God right now and the journey between those two places.
This year more than any other, I've been thankful for the faithfulness and constant love of my Father, God. Because amongst all the changes, He's been the one thing to remain the same! God has been my rock, my joy when I thought sorrow was all there was, He used my life to impact others in bigger ways than ever before, He was ever my strength in my human weakness and was, and always will be, my reason to have hope.
As I said earlier, I want to focus less on the 'good year' vs 'bad year' thing and more on the growth and change of my life. Ultimately, God has been with me through it all. From being baptised to facing huge family changes. From the birth of my first niece, Ella May Hagen, and my oldest brother becoming engaged to his beautiful fiancee' to the challenges of studying at Weltec and having to live away from my parents. Not to mention auditioning and being accepted for EXCEL and absolutely everything in between.
The point I make is that every year has both wonderful and difficult things to face and we can't always choose when or how or what. But we can choose how we respond to each situation and what attitude we have towards it all. Sometimes it's the not-so-easy things that shape us into the people we need to be and cause us to draw closer to God and people.
So, God, as we draw the curtains on 2013, I build my life and place my trust in you. And as the stage is lit and we prepare for the next scene of life, I choose to live in the hope of eternity with you ever drawing closer. My excitement is high for all you will do in and through me in this new year. For the adventures we'll go on TOGETHER. For new experiences, new people and for knowing your love in new and even deeper ways. May you be glorified in every breath I take.
