Since the New Year bells have rang, I have found myself on several occasions saying with much conviction, "Thank God 2009 is over!!!!" It was definitely a year of mountains for me personally, and I have eagerly awaited the beginning of something new....a chance to start over, as many of us do. I have a great feeling about this year!!! I hear many predict it will be a year of spiritual outpouring and a shift toward people finding their higher purpose. I pray they are right!!!
However, I have to admit that it wasn't until today that I was able to clearly see how each little event from the past year has shaped my journey, especially many that I would have liked to forgotten. A friend sent me a New Years Prayer from Father Rohr that in one part said......
We now hand over to you the blessed year, 2009, with all that it gave us and all that it took from us, knowing that both are necessary, just like our breath.
I was thinking about this so much today.... the idea that all are necessary, and everything started fitting together for me. Just to touch the surface on a few things that come to mind........One thing I don't like about traveling for work is having to leave my kids for days at a time, and honestly at times is is very distressful for both me and my children. Thinking back I realized that the two trips that I had the hardest time dealing with last year both brought me life changing relationships that I would not have had had I not traveled. I met one person on a plane and the other on a balcony, and even today I look to them both for inspiration and spiritual guidance and there is no question God put them in my life and I am so very grateful for them both!!!!!
Secondly, without going in to too much detail, I had one of if not my toughest battle this year personally. It has been something that I have struggled with for almost the entire year, and I could not understand how or why I would have to experience so much hurt or anyone should. However, over the holidays I met someone who was experiencing the same "battle" and needed support and hope and understanding, and I knew at that moment that it was no coincidence we had met. I knew then that I had to experience what I did to be there for her and for the many others that shared our hurt. Beth Moore echoes again with ....you are more useful healed than you ever were well!!!!
One last example.... I have had the misfortune of dealing with Chinese Drywall this year which has caused a tremendous amount of financial burden for our family, but it has taught us all to be content with less and ultimately more grateful! This also changed many of my plans for this year with Sweeteas and my children, and so I have had to practice patience and divine timing. I guess after looking back today, I felt this great peace that we are where we are suppose to be and God truly has a plan and purpose and there is always some good that will come even if at that moment we can't see it.
I have always been one of great faith in knowing that God is who he says he is, but I think a huge part of faith is knowing God can do what he says he can do (again taken from Beth Moore), and that requires letting go and allowing him to work in our lives......this I am not so good at, but I do have good intention. So today I turn everything over to God........my journey, my home, my finances, Sweeteas, my relationships, and my career. I entrust him with the safety and health of myself and my children. This year will be an amazing year......one of great JOY!!!!!!
"No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." Corinthians 2:9
Blessings,
Ro
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Ro,
ReplyDeleteHi. I stumbled upon your blog today as a result of the google alert I have set for Chinese Drywall. Yes, we have been dealing with it also for the past year & what a nightmare it has been. Like you though, I am ready to embrace 2010 needing less and appreciating more.
I have twin girls and purchased both of your books in Mandeville about three months ago. I think they are precious & have been telling everyone I know about them. Please keep them coming!
I wish you and your family a better 2010!
Nicole
Nicole, I just noticed your comment. I am so sorry about your Chinese Drywall! I hope that for our sake it will be resolved soon, though we may have larger issues brewing in the Gulf right now. I am so glad your girls enjoy the books!!! We have a really cute club being launched this fall, and so I am hoping to get a good group from Mandeville started. Take care and I wish you the best with your drywall.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ro