Reflections

I'm writing this from a cot in the middle of Illinois. It's like I'm in Little House on the Prairie. I can't even see the closest house and our "walk" yesterday consisted of going to the mailbox because it was so cold. But I'm enjoying being with my parents, grandma,Stephanie and Johnny. They couldn't come to NY for Christmas so we came to them. The people here are friendly and the food is delicious. Can't ask for a whole lot else, can we?

We visited a lot of Johnny's family after church. I feel like I know the family tree but all the branches are laying on the ground; I can't put it all together! His Grandma had this beautiful saying hanging in her kitchen:

"We give you thanks Lord 

for the food before us,

the friends beside us, 

the love between us,

and Your presence among us."

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! 2012 will officially be done! It's crazy. So crazy. I was looking back on 2012, doing a little bit of introspection and, to be quite honest, my first thought was "I'm glad that's over". I had to put a quick check on my natural pessimism. The only real bad thing about 2012 was the time I spent in doctor's office. Between losing my vision in the spring and having my body hate me all fall, I have spent more than enough time in medical institutions. So yes, I'm glad 2012 is over. But if that was my worst? Boy, I have it good! 

I'm going to miss 2012. I've met some AMAZING people and done so many awesome things. God has shown himself more than faithful this last year.

Here are some highlights and things I have learned in 2012:

• I love weddings. I love being in them. I love (almost) everything about them. Amy, Lauren and Stephanie all made sure I got my wedding fix for the year (yay for more in 2013!)
• Michigan: God worked out everything for my time there. Friends and a family there... I could go on for days but I'll refrain.
• I got to fly a plane!
• Getting more involved with Women At Risk, International and Human Trafficking
• Being a Senior and more importantly, being treated like a Senior.
• English Country Dancing every Friday was such a wonderful experience (thank you, Kazia!)
• Realizing that there are more people who are just as much dorks as I am :)
• I made some fantastic friends that encourage me to be better, mostly just by their actions
• I drew closer to those already in my life and I'm so thankful for that
• Learning to trust God with my future (He is still working on me)
• That Everything works out for His glory
• Treasure my moments. All of them. Especially with people I love.
• To take more chances (What is the worst that can happen?)

This is by no means an exhaustive list but I'm feeling sentimental and cheesy and just so thankful for this past year of life. I feel like I could just go through every person in my life and explain how happy I am that they are in it but alas, that is not practical (and it would take far too long).

2012 was a good year. I'm thankful that I was here to be a part of it. Here's to another year of our Lord!