As I look over the last year or so – so much has happened.  The end of 2014 and into 2015 was a time of transitions and adventures, disappointments and joys, pain and healing and, thankfully, growth in our lives and the life of our family  – all of which I am grateful for.

A very difficult part of this last season is having experienced the pain of having people we trusted choose to believe the worst about us and those that are closest to us. It was painful for us personally and watching the fallout and hurt that this caused in the lives of those closest to us was one of the more difficult things we have faced. The stumbling block this created has felt insurmountable at times.

I wonder sometimes about the possible influence and help that could have been the result had they chosen to look beyond what appeared to be the truth and had been willing to ask more questions and not assume the worst. Anyone can point out the obvious in someone’s life – the mistakes, the missteps or possible foolish decisions but it takes LOVE to be able to point out the gold, the gifts under all the stuff on the surface of our lives. I have seen that the ability to believe and expect the best about someone is a gift that I want and am determined to use in regards to those around me – being able to see beyond the surface, to what lies beneath. Gold is rarely found on the surface but must be mined for and brought forth. We need the ability to see beyond the “rocks, dirt and rubble” and know there is gold waiting to be discovered in the lives of those around us.

The challenge I am now faced with in the midst of this, is how to believe the best about those who chose not to believe the best about me and those I love. I am working on this – “We practice what we believe when we believe the best about someone – we bring out their best”.

Life has not been perfect and the snapshots that are often seen are just that – snapshots. The in-between times are often filled with “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. A good story will always have conflict and struggle and in the conflict and struggle the characters grow and learn – the conflict leads us to the theme of the story – the lessons learned and the victories realized.

So it is with our story.  Here are some things I have realized and that I am learning:
I have learned in a deeper way how forgiveness is a gift I have received over and over and so it is a gift I must and need to give to those around me.  Secondly, I have realized that those who have influence in our lives will often hurt us but not because they set out to hurt. They are also people on a journey and they are not perfect. I desire mercy so I must learn to give it.

Our lives are a journey not an event – a story that is being written. A life lived like this can be enjoyed and embraced because it is not over just because one or two chapters seem to be more difficult than we expected – it’s in process. Embrace the story and learn all you can out of the moment you are in – allow it to strengthen you and not make you bitter.

These lessons were more deeply learned in the midst of experiencing pain. Sometimes what is truth is not learned until we live it.

Be Present
I have realized more and more how much life is about the journey we are all on and that it is not my job to control anyone else’s journey but to be willing to walk with them so that they are not alone.

Peace
I have gained a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the gift of God’s peace in the midst of the storms. It is not the absence of storms but the presence of Peace (Jesus) that makes the difference in my life. Storms strengthen me and peace leads me through them.

Understanding
I have realized I do not have to agree with someone to love them. Seeking to understand another persons perspective actually gives me a greater capacity to help and encourage them. It is not my job to change anyone – it is my privilege to love others and to represent the One who knows them and has a purpose for their life and mine.

One big revelation that I have had to come to accept is that I do not have ALL the answers, I just need to stay close to the One who does.

In looking ahead, I realize that all the steps and missteps, successes and mistakes have brought us to this point.
I HAVE SUCH HOPE FOR THE FUTURE! My desire for this coming season:

• an expectation of GOOD (God works all things together for the GOOD – if it is not Good then it is not over yet)
• a desire for the UNEXPECTED
• a HUNGER for Jesus to increase in me like never before
• a PURSUIT to live with greater intention (by design and with purpose)
• a strong sense of PURPOSE to live healthier each day
• to ENJOY my family and precious new grand baby
• a personal CHALLENGE of making the most of EVERY opportunity
• to LOVE those around me well and SERVE well
• to REPRESENT Jesus in ways I never have before

My greatest desire and prayer is to see those I love and who are close to my heart, discover Jesus and see God in fresh new ways – to know that HE is the GOOD Father that He is. 1 Chronicles 28:9 – Learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind….

2016 – A year of fresh discovery – A year of hope and the expectation of good. A year of promise.

Song – Never Once