What a year you were? What a year you were! I don't know where to begin my reflection. Being a graduate (still getting used to that) of Curry, I know reflection is integral--acknowledging the past while entertaining the future.
I truly believe that I'm not truly living if I'm not stepping outside my comfort zone to try new things or embrace opportunities. 2010 will be marked by these rookie adventures: buying a car, knitting a scarf, being Maid of Honor x2, the debauchery of a true NASCAR field party in Charlotte, the dating life, walking down the Lawn at UVA with a hood, receiving flowers at school (from my administration), serving in 3 chair positions for Relay For Life, flying to Hilton Head, exploring Charleston with Ellen, independently raising over $1,000 for RFL, attending Young Life Teacher Summit in PA/NY, hosting a bridal shower, working a triathlon, coaching a field hockey team, being a YL leader, having my palm read, hosting a bachelorette party, sitting on the football field with Christina, being a 3rd grade teacher that has 5 SOL tests, coaching a team to beat my alma mater x2 for the first time in school history, placing in a parade, locking my keys in the car, leading a Bible study for adults at church, going to a Nationals game, watching the President's motorcade go by with T & D & L, going to YL-Rockbridge x2, making it through the automatic car wash, attending Young Alumni Reunions weekend with Ellen and Christina, doing the whole job search process, and taking a shower at the gym but forgetting towels.
Also, 2010 will be marked by doing a few things again...yet, they were still an adventure because I did not have the safety net of parents or claiming "I'm still in college." I had the backdrop of responsibility looming. Donating my hair again, Relay For Life, breaking another finger, traveling to Nashville to see Garth Brooks, being a bridesmaid, competing in triathlons, spending another summer split between Cpep and the Williams B & B, going to NASCAR races and teaching.
All these experiences forced me to grow in so many different ways. Ways that I never could imagine nor predict. I learned even more what I like, what I dislike, what I love, and what I abhor. Growth means change. Change involves risk. Risk is stepping from the known to the unknown.
I know so many people who squirm when faced with stepping from the known to the unknown. Why do I seek it? Why do I force myself to do it? (It's not always a bucket of laughs or fun.) Because of faith. Faith in God. Faith in Jesus. Faith in the Holy Spirit. Faith in family. Faith in T & D. Faith in friends. Faith in the human spirit. Faith that everything will work out as long as my pursuits are pure and honoring. This was the verse I chose for myself my first year at UVA. It hangs next to my desk years later. "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."-Romans 8:28 Unwavering faith.
This summer I chose to ask, "What am I capable of with God?" This is the journey that I am choosing to take. With this choice comes freedom in knowing that God will be faithful. 1 Thes 5:24-"The one who calls you is faithful." Plain and simple. Countless times through the Bible and the past centuries, God has remained faithful and fulfilled promises (including the big kahuna~the birth of Jesus). For instance, one of the major selfish (but real) reason I was concerned about staying in Cpep was due to the fact that I had a lack of friends...here. God has been faithful since I discerned his will to stay in Cpep for another year. Now, I have true friends here. For "without faith it is impossible to please Him..."-Hebrews 11:6a
Ultimately, I knew life was a roller coaster, but this year I was in the front row seat. Thank goodness for safety belts. I learned that the mountain-top moments of accomplishments should be savored but there's always another mountain peak or goal in the distances. I learned that the real, humbling adventure is navigating the valleys of life. But, here is where I most grow. Have you really ever seen flourishing plant growth on a mountain top? Just as God walked with David through the valley, he accompanies me.
Let's be frank, it hasn't all been a walk in the park. I've had struggles and challenges this year. It's not east being Maid of Honor in 2 weddings, while having just gone on a date with a guy who confessed his lovable habit of smoking up. It's not easy to watch you childhood friend graduate UVA, marry, and become pregnant. It's not easy being a first year teacher. It's not easy having everyone want to help your relationship status on Fbook change. Life's not easy. Yeah, no need to mail me a box of tissues. No need for pity parties. Because, I ain't having any. I fully believe that we will all have different seasons of life. I will encourage and love others through their seasons, along with mine. For "to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up (harvest) that which is planted..."-Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
I want to thank you, 2010, for the journey without a map and for all those who were along for the ride.
Here's to you, 2011!
Much Love,
A
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