Reflections on 2011

On New Year's Eve my mom did a pretty cool "exercise" at our party. She passed us each a piece of paper with a verse from Isaiah (9:6) on it: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." She then asked us each to reflect about how God had touched our lives in 2011 and shown Himself in one of those names. How had God been a Prince of Peace? A Wonderful Counselor?  We didn't have to share, but everyone did. Cuz when people start thinking about how God is working in their lives, people have to talk about it!

A year ago from today I was sitting in pretty different circumstances. I was really unhappy with my living situation. Not many people like to live with four other people in a shabby rental house that's falling apart! I was unhappy and unfulfilled in my job. I didn't feel recognized and knew that my potential was far greater than the role I played. The big 3-0 was around the corner and I felt unprepared. Wasn't I supposed to have it all figured out by 30? 

But.. as the year went on, I started to see some changes and looking back I can see God's fingers in them all.

In the spring, I moved. And not only did I move. I moved UP!!! My gracious sister and bro-in-law moved into a brand new, hot off the press house on the NE side of D.C. Guess who got to tag along and live in the basement apartment for a really affordable price? This girl! I think I had perma-grin after moving for about three months.

I also turned 30. Thanks to the organization skills of my dear sister and my friend Marie, I had a fabulous surprise birthday party at Hains Point. My mom and grandma drove up for the weekend and my closest friends in D.C. all braved the cool weather and came out for a cookout. Thirty started off with laughter, fun and great memories with some of the dearest people I know. My parents also gave me the special gift of the diamond necklace that my dad gave my mom as a gift when she had me.

In mid summer there was sadness as love was lost, but joy soon replaced it with THE love of my life.  After years of no communication, Mike and I reunited and sparks flew (again!). I still can't believe how awesome God is. For years Mike and I were on separate paths and growing as people. I don't know all the answers as to why God saw it fit for us to grow while also not together, but He definitely brought us back together at the right time. In July, we hit the ground running and started dating again. Tender hearts were soon replaced with full hearts and joy as we watched God at work in our relationship.

In late summer I got a call from a dear friend and mentor who wanted me to come work for him. So I did. Oh, and did I mention that the job is with a team of people that I already knew from my graduate school and that they all love Jesus?  Also, my boss sees the potential in me, encourages AND challenges me.

The fall was fun too. I signed up for the mission trip I'd been wanting to go on for over a year.  I didn't know in 2010 what trip I wanted to do, but it became apparent as soon as I looked at the options. I've never been to Asia (and honestly it wasn't high on the list of places to explore), but I'm looking forward to the work that we'll be doing in just over a month from now. I'm looking forward to learning. 

I also ran in the Marine Corps 10K, which is quite a race!  It was inspiring to be running with veterans, military spouses, family and friends of people in the Marines- some of whom wore t-shirts in memory of their loved ones. Some were cheering on someone thousands of miles away. It was a cold day for a run, with ice on the bridges and overpasses, but it was heart-warming.

The winter showed God's handiwork as well.  You know that mission trip? Thanks to my dear friends and family, I was able to raise all of the funds for it. I didn't start raising the money until November.  By the end of December, all $1950 of it was raised. I am blessed.

And you know that guy I mentioned earlier? The day after Christmas, he and I hiked up Hanging Rock and he made me the most elated woman in the world when he proposed. I still can't believe how God "showed us". His ways aren't our ways, and man... sometimes they are mind-blowing.

So, here I am with another year under my 30-year-old belt. 2011 was fantastic. And it was that way because it truly was a year of "wows" where I got to see God's handiwork. He's truly an artist and I'm pleased to be part of His design.