Thursday, January 3, 2008

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.

7 comments:

Amy said...

What a wonderful way to reflect on how God is working in the lives of you and your family. Our personalities make it hard to render complete control to God, but I'm so proud of you and your family for taking a passengers seat to God and letting him drive. I can't wait to see what 2008 has in store for all of you! Love you all to pieces!

Jul said...

I reflected on friendships on my recent blog as well and YES friendships are all different- some are life long some are there to get you through a particular time and teach you something..no harm no fowl just life.
Great post!

Laura said...

Well I certainly enjoyed this, I love reading about how God is working in others lives. I too will be figuring out how to be a mom to a tween girl as my daughter is 10 also, turning 11 in April...yikes!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I love this post. It fits the category perfectly. You're just "keeping it real."

(Which is always what you were doing with the picture yesterday. But I digress.)

May God continue to teach you and may you continue to have a teachable heart.

Karen said...

One of the things that I enjoy about reading a recap of the previous year and the intent of a new year is those aha moments. Times when I read something and think, "Oh, I need to do that or think about that or appreciate that more." This post brought all those moments! Thanks for the honesty and may you have a blessed 2008.

momof2 said...

What a wonderful post.....I really enjoy reading your blogs each day. You make me laugh on a daily basis! Can't wait to see what 2008 will bring:-)

I can't find my blog said...

'God pushing you out of your shell.'

Sounds like me...I'm scared too, but if God is doing it I guess we'll have to do it, right?

Here's to 2008!