Really though, it's gone fast. The new year is always a good opportunity to reflect on the things God has done over the past year, and look forward to what He will do in the coming one. 2010 was certainly a big year. It held our move across two and a half states to Houston, a dream-come-true trip to Alaska, the passing of Michael's grandfather, a second anniversary for Michael and I, joining a new church, new jobs for both myself and Michael, and countless other new and exciting and trying experiences. In all the hubbub, I am increasingly grateful for God's unchanging faithfulness in the midst of all circumstances, good and bad. But really, trusting God in crazy circumstances should be nothing new by now, as God has given me at least one major lifechanging experience each year for the past eight years, since 2003. A brief look back at those game-changers, if only to fondly remember and savor all the ways God has grown me into who I am today...
2003 - graduated from high school, spent a life-changing summer in Poland, Hume Lake, and Fiji and started college at UC Irvine
2004 - experienced a major family heartache that changed my family and I forever but brought us closer with a deeper understanding of God's grace and sovereignty
2005 - studied abroad for a semester in Turkey and visited Israel for the first time with a unique view to the conflicts there that will forever color my perception of the issues
2006 - spent a summer of growth, rest, and crazy fun in Estes Park, CO with the Navigators Summer Training Program
2007 - graduated from UCI, traveled to Israel a second time, had my ideas of what I wanted to do with my life turned upside down, and started work at Children's Hunger Fund
2008 - starting dating, got engaged to, and married Michael
2009 - walked through the intense trials and joys of our first year of marriage and made the decision to move to Texas
And now we're up to the present. There's so much more God has done, so many more life-changing experiences I haven't mentioned, but looking back on all the twists God has put in my life only makes me more excited for what lies ahead. I have long ago given up on guessing what will happen next. Nothing has turned out how I thought it would, but ultimately I couldn't be more grateful for that!
Was 2010 all roses and fun? Was I exempt from trials and sorrows for the year? Of course not. There were some very hard things to deal with and am even still working through some of them. But God is always faithful. Do I always believe that perfectly, and trust Him always without wavering? No. Do I still need much more refining and humbling? (Insert the most vehement word for yes you can think of here.) Do I look forward to 2011 and the ways He will use my circumstances to accomplish that and glorify Himself? Absolutely!
2011, here it comes!
