Reflecting in Hope: 2011

New Years makes me reflective and hopeful. Here is the result of that combination:

2011. Wow. I can hardly believe that a new year is upon us. The last time I wrote, I had a feeling that my life was on the cusp of change. That, like the autumn leaves, my life was about to transform and convert to something different. Feelings are funny like that, and a lot of times, your gut is right. The last three months have been bursting at the seams with change unlike any I had experienced previously. I dislike change and crave consistency. I enjoy knowing what comes next and how to prepare. But the funny thing about this season of change was that all of the changes were positive changes. Each change that occurred brought the stress that life revolutions always bring, but blessings all the same.

I feel that the Lord taught me, through these changes, that He is always faithful. Time and time again between October and December, I worried. My stomach knotted and turned. I wasn't sure things would turn out ok. And each time, I felt His hand on my shoulder, comforting me and providing for me. Even though I don't deserve it. Even though I can't comprehend His feelings for me. As my cravings for consistency continue, I have learned this Autumn that the Lord is ultimately consistent, ultimately strong, and ultimately worthy of my faith, trust, and praise.

Even amidst the continuing change, I relish in the expectation that a new year brings. The start of the New Year brings freshness like the sweet scent of laundry detergent leaking from the dryer as soft warm clothes emerge. 2011 brings hope. Not necessarily that it will be an easy year, for I realize that, here in the real world that I am soon to join, changes aren't more rampant, just less expected than in the school world. I think that it's important to reflect upon what happened in the past year in order to prepare for the new, less certain year. Based on 2010, I know that the Lord will be faithful, that He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams in order that I may bless others by sharing His love, and that serving and knowing Him amidst the change is my heart's utmost desire, and that He brings consistency through his presence.

2010, you were lovely. I am genuinely sad to see you go. 2011, I'm eager to see what you will bring.