"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
As with every year end, it brings with it a time of reflection and consideration for where we were as compared to where we have come. Did we stick to the resolutions for the year? Did we accomplish or gain something we had been missing in years prior? Love? Job? Family? Were our prayers answered? The questions could go on and on...
As I reflect back on 2008, I view it with mixed emotions. As I recall, I didn't make any resolutions... but I do remember having a strong desire and hope that 2008 would bring me more happiness, love, and joy than in years past... that I would grow in who I am and be a better friend, aunt, sister, and daughter to those around me.
2008 was a challenging year for many of us... the entire world seems in flux... at war... in an economic crisis. There were lost jobs... lost homes... lost retirements... lost loves... lost family. There were those that became sick... angry... depressed... hopeless... lost. And isn't it true that sometimes it is so much easier to focus on our pain and fail to see the many other things we can be grateful for that surround us. Or maybe it's simply what did we learn? How did we grow?
I always stand by the adage "Hindsight is 20/20." Even in our darkest hour, as time goes by, there is healing and resolution... and when we look back at the trials we have endured, we feel a sense of pride that we've moved past it, grew in character and faith, and found ourselves in a better place.
I believe there is a season for every instance in our lives. Where there is hurt, there will be a new day of healing. Where there is pain, there will come a day for renewed pleasures. 2008 was a difficult year for many of us... but I pray that 2009 brings a bright and prosperous season to us all serving as a reminder that our faith in God will always ensure we are taken care of well beyond our own means.
It wasn't until half way through the last year that I placed my hope back in God... and even then, I faltered many, many times. There were times I felt He couldn't hear my prayers, or was just unwilling to give me what I wanted. But in the end, I realize that He gave me everything I needed but I never knew to ask for.
I gained many close friendships that have supported me when I felt hopeless and lost… I found a new church that has helped me grow… I developed a new relationship with my family that has shown me more love than in years past. With all the trials I faced in the last year, nothing outweighs the blessings that I received that I may not have noticed in the moment.
In the end, He is my hope... and will continue to fuel my hope in what is set out for me in the years to come.
Happy New Year to all my friends and family! I love you all for everything you are to me and look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Love,
Regina
No comments:
Post a Comment