The New Year rushed in with a surprise gift of keys to my
own place! I had been on a waiting list for the apartments I wanted to live at
when, out of the blue, I received a phone call saying someone had opted out of
their contract and would I want to move in immediately? I said, “yes, please!”
After having my things in storage for over a year, it was like Christmas all over again when I
unpacked! I found things I had forgotten about but quite enjoyed having at hand again. It has been so
much fun to have a place to call my own and decorate to my hearts desire.
When springtime arrived, I decided to take a much-needed
vacation and headed back to Bethel to see some dear friends of mine. We took in
the sights of Napa Valley together, had a hot air balloon adventure, and then
came back to Bethel where I soaked in God’s love and came away refreshed.
It was the first time I flew stand-by, and I was surprised that the journey
went seamlessly – thank you, Jesus! It was also the first time I was serenaded
by a man with a guitar in the middle of the night on a public bus in San Francisco.
Thankfully, I was not alone, and thankfully he soon gave up after noticing his serenade
was not having his desired effect of wooing me. Ah yay yay! Never a dull moment…
June marked one year of living in Bloomington. It’s been a
dream come true to live in the same city as my best friend of over 25 years,
Claire. I love doing life with her and am so thankful for this season! Our new
adventure together in 2014 will be training for and running a half marathon in
the spring.
The summer fun continued in July as I travelled to Illinois
to gather with my Mom’s entire extended family. Think “My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Goes Camping” and you’ll get the picture of what this family reunion was like.
There was no wedding and we’re not Greek, but there was a ton of people, a
rainy campground, lots of chattering, lots of love, and a big celebration of
three couples 45th wedding anniversaries. My Mom and two of her
siblings were all married in the same year. It was a fun and festive time of
celebrating and being reunited with family members I hadn’t seen in quite a
while.
Fall arrived and as an act of continuing to embrace
transition and declaring that change is good, I decided to cut eight inches of
my hair off and gained bangs! I had been letting my hair grow out for three
years, so it felt like a pretty dramatic change. Nonetheless, I believe it was
in fact a very good change!
October marked one year on the new job! Wow! What a year it
has been. I’ve learned many things through my new job. But I’d have to say at
the top of the list was a lesson that falls into the category of life lessons
I’ll always remember. It is simply this: I have limitations and that is OK.
Asking for help is good. Setting boundaries, abiding by them, and communicating
them is imperative. I realize this can
sound pretty simple and “duh” to many. These were things I knew with my head
prior to this year. But I’d say it made the 18 inch leap to my heart as I have
daily had to face my limitations with not only learning a new job, but also
doing a job that previously two people did. God’s grace has prevailed though,
and I’m so thankful He gives me exactly what I need each day.
And finally, because of family members busy schedules over
the holidays this year, we all decided to convene over Thanksgiving weekend and
squeeze in not only Thanksgiving – but also Christmas and the New Year! It was
a special time filled with praise and worship, fun and games, exchanging many
gifts, and looking forward to our next family gathering.
Over all, it’s been a delightful year, and I have so much to
look back on and be thankful for! Here’s to another fabulous year in 2014! I
have great expectancy for good things this year! I wish you and yours God’s
best and an abundance of love, peace, and joy this special season.
