Lessons

Not sure what in the world I was thinking posting a picture of my rump. That is not a sign of things to come in 2008. I beg your forgiveness.


The painful defeat and travel of Tuesday set me back a few days, but I can't let the new year pass without reflecting on 2007 and looking forward to 2008.


Bear with me. OR come back tomorrow when I'm not reflecting and pensive.


2007 was a year that taught me a lot of tough lessons. They were lessons that I needed to learn.


The King and I learned a lot about contentment. Just being. Not striving. The King is an entrepreneur. He loves the challenge of taking "nothing" and making it "something". His passion and skills are certainly a gift from God. I think we always knew that, but we didn't get it. This year we both got a very clear message from God to USE our gifts. Not for us. For Him. It doesn't really matter if we are successful in the world's eyes. It matters that we are clearly and surely following God's plan for our lives. We faced business challenges throughout the year that felt so suffocating. There were days where we felt as if there was absolutely nothing that we could do to better our situation. You know what? There wasn't. But God, full of grace and mercy, guided us. He truly provided doors for us to go through. Now, they were not always the doors that we wanted or expected--but they led (and are leading) to a place that He intends for us to be.


I learned a lesson in being who God made me to be. Somewhere along the way, I completely forgot what my passions and gifts were. I became so focused on being a mom and wife that I kind of failed to be me. God is teaching me that I don't have to leave behind Identity A to step into Indentity B. It is not selfish to enjoy a few things even if they are only for me. He made me who I am. He gave me the desires of my heart and intends for me to use them for His glory. I am beginning to feel such a peace with who He made me to be.


I learned a lot about friendship. Some friends are lifetime kind of friends and some aren't. Sometimes, we have relationships that are good while they last, but they are not forever. And it is ok. A friendship can fade a little and it be no one's fault. I think it is called being a grown up, but that is new for me so I'm not sure.


I learned so much about building a foundation for my marriage. Though we've been married for 13 years, we are still creating the basis on which our marriage will stand. This year, my parents divorced after 35 years of marriage. They are 2 great people whose relationship was, by all appearances, good. But it wasn't enough. I don't know--and don't need to know--all of their issues. I just know that if it can happen to them it can happen to any couple. I never want to take my marriage for granted.



I am so excited about 2008. I know God is going to continue working in our lives and I can't wait to see where He leads us.


I think I am going to be learning how to be a mom of a tween girl. Though I wish my baby girl would stay little and need her mom for everything, it just doesn't happen like that! I can see that I am going to be stepping back and letting her make some of her own decisions and help her work through things that are still hard for me! A friend of mine (whose youngest girl is now 20) recently told me that as she learned to change along with her girls, each stage was sweeter than the last. That's what I want.



I think that God is going to keep pushing me out of the shell I've been in for awhile. That is a bit scary. I can't think too much more about it.



Thank you for indulging me.



I will be back to normal tomorrow.