It’s the last day of 2011. I’m sitting here in my living room, just after midnight, it’s all peaceful and quiet. And I’m reflecting on this past year. And I’m overwhelmed with gratefulness. Overwhelmed to the point of not having words to express it all. I had been at a wedding last night, and as I was driving home this feeling of gratefulness just came over me. And I started reflecting on all the things I’m grateful for. All the way home I cried and prayed a prayer of thankfulness to my God. It has been a good year! And even with my limited vocabulary I will try to pen down a few things that stand out from this past year.
When January 1, 2011 came around, I was still on sick leave. It had been a very long and slow recovery, seven months long. But I was able to start a “back-to-work” program in January 2011 and as of mid February I’m back at work, full-time. I am extremely grateful for this job, for the people I work with, and the people I’m able to serve. I feel loved and appreciated at work.
When I faced some other health issues in April/May of 2011, further tests were done, several visits to a specialist, and then the results were there, and I was given medication. Now after 2 1/2 month of taking this medication, my pain is almost completely gone, and I feel my energy coming back, even my chronic fatigue is less at times. And there are more and more days where I am actually able to do things at home, after my work day is over.
My daughter decided to skip a semester at university and spend 5 months with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). The support from church and friends and family has been amazing. And these past 5 months have not only taught my daughter many, many things. These past 5 months have also been very valuable to this mama… So many lessons learned! So many prayers have been answered!
In September my daughter and I were able to go on a road trip with my parents. They had never been to the US, and so we went to see the Badlands and the Black Hills. We had such a blast! So many memories made! It was a “once in a lifetime” thing that we will cherish and remember forever.
And when I think of all the family and friends that have surrounded me and my kids this past year, my heart is so full of thanks. This part is especially hard for me to express, because it’s so huge to me. People have come into our lives and have loved on us and have shown us mercy and grace without end. And it humbles me, it really does. And I can’t thank God enough for the people He brought into my life!!!
“Because He (Jesus) lives, I can face tomorrow!
And I am extremely grateful for you my friend!! Happy New Year! Love you lots. You are a gift from God to me.