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I love (In)Courage. I look forward to the daily devotionals in my email inbox each day. Sometimes they're short and sweet, while other times they're long and deep and really make me ponder for a couple minutes. I love the variety in writing and pictures and seeing what other women have had on their hearts. Thursdays post had reflection questions for 2009, and encouraged readers to not just think about what they'll change for 2010 but to also reflect back on 2009. In my own personal reflection of this past year, I have a broad range of emotions that arise - I have experienced some of my life's best moments and most definitely some of my worst. James 1: 1-13 reminds us to consider it joy when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. And when we persevere under trials, His word says we are blessed. I have seen his hand in my life this past year in many ways. I have not always persevered perhaps the way I would have wanted or always been able to find much joy in my trials, but I do think that is where God's grace comes in. He meets us right where we are at and for that I am so thankful.
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Reflection Questions for 2009:
1. What was the most challenging thing that happened this past year? Balancing grief with work and normal life.
2. What was the single best thing that happened this year? New babies! My sister and best friend both expanded their families with the additions of Weston and Anna. And there are more on the way for other friends. Yay!
3. What was an unexpected joy? Moving to the St. Paul church plant. We have met some really fun and wonderful friends. In fact, we brought the new year in with them last night!
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? My beloved car needing more work than it was worth. Buying a car wasn't in our plan this year, but our new (to us) CR-V has been wonderful and provided much needed space for traveling and our new mountain bikes.
5. Pick three words to describe 2009: Exciting, Challenging, Transforming
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009, without asking them: Momentous, Reflective, Emotional
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009, without asking them: Supportive, Adventurous, Fun
8. What were the best books you read this year? Crazy Love by Francis Chan and A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? Family and close friends.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December? It's probably been my focus on what will come after this life. I have tried to simplify things and not take them for granted. I daily think "this could all change in an instant, Sarah. Just stop for a second and appreciate."
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I'd like to think my grief has strengthened me.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I feel closer to God. I have learned a lot from church and our small group. I am better equipped now to relate to others who have experienced a loss. I have a renewed outlook on life.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? I have gotten into a lifting routine with Tom and am finally toning up.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? I have tried to be more available to people, to listen to and encourage them however needed. I have tried to demonstrate my love and appreciation more often.
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? Working with Tom on projects - our new veggie garden and flower garden and updating things around the house together. He is also great with our finances and we enjoy talking about and finding new ways to save.
16. What was the most challenging area of home management? Decluttering! I am still working on that. I love the show Hoarders and it's made me aware of a lot of "junk" in our house.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Email. Ugh.
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? I think that every moment I spent with Tom or family was the best use of my time.
19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? Life is "but a breath."
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you: If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner. - Beth Moore
Happy New Year,
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