Well ready or not a new year is rolling in like a wrecking ball. We cannot stop it from happening no matter how much we try. I can say that more than any other time in my life I have mixed feelings about this rollover.

In leaving behind 2021 I am leaving the last year I had memories with Jason. The last year I held hands with my love. The last year my husband and I went on a date. The last year we dreamed together and challenged each other to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally. I have some sweet, precious memories from 2021 that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Yet, 2021 also brought deep pain, heartache and loss. Saying see you soon to my love was the hardest moment of my life. This loss has deeply changed me. It has required me to exercise my faith in God. Saying He is good and faithful is easy, walking it out daily…not so much. There were times when I wanted nothing more than to take over and “control” a situation. But, that would not be healthy for me, nor was it my place. So, I learned to rest, be patient and trust that His plan far exceeded mine and it was always for my good. 

Welcoming 2022 brings a lot of unknowns just like any new year, season or day. What new adventures does this year hold? What new people will I meet? Some unknowns will be tough but survivable. Some will be joyous and monumental. Some will be small quiet memories that make the biggest impact. But God will be in every moment, that is the one fact that is guaranteed. 

The one thang that I know is true everyday is that my God remains good and faithful. He has shown up for me in big and small ways. So I’m choosing not to make the typical resolutions this year. Don’t worry, I’m still going to make an effort to create healthy habits and read more. However, with all I have experienced in 2021, I have learned that those types of “resolutions” aren’t the ones that truly matter in eternity. This is why I am choosing to focus more on the following:

• Be present.- For me this means putting the phone away and living in each of the moments, big or small and everything in between. After all, not all of them need to be on my camera roll or social media. Will I still take pictures? Yes, they are more precious to me now more than ever. Will I still post on social media and post to this blog? Yes, but it won’t be the excuse to have my phone out and disengage from the people around me. 
• Look up and see what God is showing me.- This one has been big the last few months. The more I do this I see how He is providing for me, I see opportunities to help others and so much more. It’s quite humbling when you realize that you haven’t done enough of this in your life. It makes me wonder what I have missed by being wrapped up in my phone or myself. 
• Do all the things. – For me this means not shying away from trying new things that have previously been out of my comfort zone. Going to new places with friends or alone. Experiencing new music, new foods (allergy friendly of course), and so much more! It’s quite empowering to think about. I also have an adventure journal ready for 2022! 
• Keep writing. This outlet has been so healing. I love sharing my story and how God is truly making beauty in my life from the ashes of loss and grief. I also love how He drops topics and content in my heart as if to say, “Here, write this. I have some kids that need to hear this as much as you do!” You see, this blog and my writing was never about me or for me. God asked me to write and continues to ask me to share. So, obedience was my response…eventually. 🙂

I want to continue walking in obedience until He gives me a new assignment! What resolutions or word are you choosing for 2022? I would love to hear from you.