Oh, 2011...What A Year You Were!

As I look back on 2011, I can't help but hum "I Will Survive" in my head. It was one of the most...years I've ever experienced. 2011 was full of very high highs and very low lows. It was full of adventure and excitement, and tear and confusion. It was full of new challenges at work and new friendships made. It was a year that I spent really trying to figure out what God wanted for my life, and ended with me not knowing the answer...but still having a lot of peace about the whole thing.

Back in January, I said my One Word for 2011 would be experience. Looking back on this year, I can say, honestly: be careful what you say. When I said I wanted to truly experience life, I didn't know what that would look like. I didn't know the full measure of life that I would be experiencing. Here are my exact words from January 9:

In 2011, I want to experience new things with an open mind and an open heart. I want to experience deeper intimacy with my friends, family and husband. I want experience God is bigger ways and experience His love and plan for my life. I want to be open to those experiences I haven't even dreamed of yet. I want to be fully present in my life and to experience the highs and lows; the blessings and the struggles; the passions and the pains.



I choose to experience it all.

I don't regret making those choices this year. I don't regret anything about 2011.  And, despite the tears and loss, I am grateful for the experience. Because there was more laughter than sadness, I am glad. Because I found myself a little more along the way, I am grateful for it all. I went into 2011 wanting nothing more than to feel the presence of the Almighty working in my life, and He has. I have experienced things in 2011 that I never imagined...and I am a better person for it. I think I am a better friend, a better wife, a better sister and daughter, and a better person because of this year.

And so, it is with anxious trepidation that I look toward 2012. I have already committed my new year to Jon Acuff's "Finish Year" and I am excited and nervous to see what that will hold. I have also been thinking about my ONE WORD for 2012. I have chosen the word, and will reveal it soon.

Thanks for sticking with me through 2011. I will try to write more in 2012. And I will try and figure out the purpose behind this blog, as well!