Dear 2018,
You were not my favorite year, by far. You brought me hurt, stress, and anxiety that I had never known before going through the time you gave me. You caused me to go through a house fire, two intensely sprained ankles, family health issues, broken family dynamics, the beginning of toxic relationships, and the end of healthy ones. During your year I cried from pain more than I ever have, and when everyone cheered last night because of the start of 2019 I cheered too, because I am done with the trials you've given me.
That being said, thank you 2018, for if I had not known your pain I would not experience joy in the same way. I would not be as strong as I am if it weren't for the trials you threw at me this year. This year, you taught me that painful goodbyes mean you've loved someone well, and sometimes a goodbye is all you need to change your life. You taught me to guard my heart, to love fiercely and widely, and to worry about my character before anyone else's. I learned that I cannot fix everything no matter how much I want to and there is always room for growth. You've taught me God does not follow my plan, instead he makes beautiful out of brokenness and sometimes you have to put your feelings aside for your friends. Because of you I learned to not judge someone until you've talked to them, and how people view you isn't as important as doing the right thing. You've taught me life isn't a story that follows a script and my journey isn't the same as anyone else's. You've shown me how to love when I don't feel like loving and how to persevere when all I want to do is give up.
This year I have been two six states in six months, taken my first trip without my family, excelled in something that I loved then dealt with astounding disappointment. I graduated high school and left an era behind me, became a lifeguard and realized what work hard/play hard really means, I started a blog and allowed myself voice. I went to college, gained independence never available to me, but also heartache like I've never known. I've been trusted with stories that have broken my heart and been given an opportunity to show the God who heals. I have realized being eighteen is really hard and they did not have it figured out like I thought they did. I've found my new normal and tried to love well.
So 2018, I would not wish for you again, but I'm glad you happened. I'm glad I experienced your trials so I could appreciate your successes, I'm glad you showed me pain so I could appreciate your joy, I'm glad you showed me anxiety, stress, and tears, so I could be reminded of the God of peace, joy and love. I wouldn't wish you on anyone, but I wouldn't trade you for the world. I was only with you for a year, 2018, but I have come out a completely different woman and for that I am grateful.
So I guess, thanks 2018, for without you, I don't know who I would have been.
You were not my favorite year, by far. You brought me hurt, stress, and anxiety that I had never known before going through the time you gave me. You caused me to go through a house fire, two intensely sprained ankles, family health issues, broken family dynamics, the beginning of toxic relationships, and the end of healthy ones. During your year I cried from pain more than I ever have, and when everyone cheered last night because of the start of 2019 I cheered too, because I am done with the trials you've given me.
That being said, thank you 2018, for if I had not known your pain I would not experience joy in the same way. I would not be as strong as I am if it weren't for the trials you threw at me this year. This year, you taught me that painful goodbyes mean you've loved someone well, and sometimes a goodbye is all you need to change your life. You taught me to guard my heart, to love fiercely and widely, and to worry about my character before anyone else's. I learned that I cannot fix everything no matter how much I want to and there is always room for growth. You've taught me God does not follow my plan, instead he makes beautiful out of brokenness and sometimes you have to put your feelings aside for your friends. Because of you I learned to not judge someone until you've talked to them, and how people view you isn't as important as doing the right thing. You've taught me life isn't a story that follows a script and my journey isn't the same as anyone else's. You've shown me how to love when I don't feel like loving and how to persevere when all I want to do is give up.
This year I have been two six states in six months, taken my first trip without my family, excelled in something that I loved then dealt with astounding disappointment. I graduated high school and left an era behind me, became a lifeguard and realized what work hard/play hard really means, I started a blog and allowed myself voice. I went to college, gained independence never available to me, but also heartache like I've never known. I've been trusted with stories that have broken my heart and been given an opportunity to show the God who heals. I have realized being eighteen is really hard and they did not have it figured out like I thought they did. I've found my new normal and tried to love well.
So 2018, I would not wish for you again, but I'm glad you happened. I'm glad I experienced your trials so I could appreciate your successes, I'm glad you showed me pain so I could appreciate your joy, I'm glad you showed me anxiety, stress, and tears, so I could be reminded of the God of peace, joy and love. I wouldn't wish you on anyone, but I wouldn't trade you for the world. I was only with you for a year, 2018, but I have come out a completely different woman and for that I am grateful.
So I guess, thanks 2018, for without you, I don't know who I would have been.
Thankfully yours,
Libby
Surely I'm not the only one who's felt this way? Like 2018 was just one big wake up call to something that I didn't want to deal with.
Myself.
So I'm proposing a challenge. Instead of a New Years resolution, let's do a New Years word, something to encompass our new year and to remind us of where we are. (Side note, I have friends who do this with their family and I did not think this up on my own.)
My word for 2019 is sufficient for two reasons.
1. "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. I need to realize that I am sufficient, and what I mean is I cannot live my life chasing perfection without seeing the beauty around me. I have to realize I was given whatever I was given for a reason, and it is sufficient.
So will you join me? What's your word?
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