The snow is falling, beginning to fill in those little spaces between the blades of frosty grass. The Christmas tree is aglow, candles are burning, and the smell of BBQ ribs fills my house. Not too bad for the last day of 2016. I've spent a large part of the day doing random things around the house, all while reflecting on this year. I was so ready to write this list... an amazing list... about me. About ME. But then I got to thinking... hey, wait a minute, I am part of some beautiful communities of people. Communities in which God is working in crazy ways. So shouldn't that list be about God and others?! So I began to think and create a mental list. And you know what? WOW! An incredible year.
I think it can be so easy to compare yourself against others and their 'year', or even your own previous years. And then you either begin to feel smug or disheartened. Trust me. I've been there more than I care to admit.
I also think we can look at the world around us and go... YIKES! I mean seriously y'all! The deaths, the upheaval, the hurt, the fighting, the politics, the... (fill in the blank). If that doesn't overwhelm you at least a bit, I don't know what will. So, once again, we can find our gaze blurring as the intensity of our focus finds yet another improper picture.
Now, I don't want to diminish, push aside, or make light of people's real hurt and struggles. It is so true that this is a constant and daily thing. But, even in the struggle there is triumph, beauty, and even joy.
So here is my 2016 list:
1. 8 friends got married this year. They fell in love and committed to spend the rest of their lives with someone else. Beautiful.
2. 3 friend got cancer. Friends are beating or have beaten cancer. Heroic. Life-giving bravery.
3. Countless friends graduated from university. Shining. Talented. Beloved.
4. 22 students graduated from Bellingham Christian School. Blessed. Treasured times with each.
5. 2 friends worked on their PhDs. Impressive. Inspiring and strong women.
6. New friends entered the scene. Perfect timing. Peals of laughter and many tears.
7. Family. Comings and goings. Times of missing. Treasured times of being reunited.Tears. Games.
8. So many students... with sparkles in their eye, a smile on their face. Learning. Remembering. Growing.
9. A friend bought her first house. Exciting. Absolutely amazing.
10. My parents celebrated 41 years of marriage. Incredible. A milestone worth celebrating.
11. So many friends became pregnant of had their babies. New life. Fun to watch. Adore these little ones.
12. Two little girls made gingerbread house all by themselves. Creativity at it's best.
13. A friend is completing a worship album. Blessing others. Honoring God.
14. A number of friends traveled to new countries. Expanding horizons. Seeing new sights. Memories.
15. Music continues to flourish in this county. Happiness. Joy with others.
16. People daily loving each other. Constant. Little moments. Big moments. Real life.
And then there are things like parades, mentors, glow sticks, quiet Saturdays, freshly dried clothes, donations, "I get it" moments, twirling, new foods, snow angels, sparkly ornaments, sunglasses, acappella music, hugs, and we could keep going.
Treasure the moments... both big and small. Find joy alongside others. Encourage. Live fully. God has given you this life... use it wisely.
What a blessed year 2016 has been! Bring it on, 2017!
