Here it is. . . the final day of 2010 when many people will celebrate and welcome in the new year with declarations to get more organized, eat healthy, spend more time with family, and lose weight. The time of year when so many issue a “good riddance” to all the pain of the old year and usher forth the new year with open arms and anticipation of good things.
Two thousand and ten was, by far, the most challenging year I have experienced to date. Each flip of the calender seemed to bring a new challenge, disappointment, or heartache to overcome. By the end of the year we were saying, “seriously, what’s next?” (Please don’t hear that as a complaint. I am fully aware that so many others have faced challenges far beyond my own.) But for our family. . . 2010 was a tough one. So as I prepare to roll out the red carpet for the new year, I have just one thing to say to 2010. . .
Thank you.
I sat with a good friend last week who looked at my bandaged and swollen foot and said, “I don’t think you could have done that a few years ago” referring to my surgery and not running for so many months. And then she said, “you have changed this year.”
She’s right. . . I have.
I look back to the person I was a year ago and I barely recognize her. On the outside little has changed. . . but the inside has been torn apart, ripped to shreds and rearranged into something that is very different. Not better or worse. . . but different.
While 2010 brought forth more tears and heartache than I have ever experienced, it also produced laughter and joy and hope from the deepest reserves of my soul. Laughter that was heartier, joy that was purer, and hope that is endless.
Two-thousand and ten has my respect.
As I look toward the new year I am carrying no expectations of perfection. No grand illusions that all will be well and without challenges. Of course I hope that we, and you, are healthy and happy and that dreams will come true. What I have learned, though, is that the storms and the raging seas have their purpose. . .
I will ride those storms because it was in the storms that I finally learned. . .
Bring it on…..the TEAM is ready! 🙂
We are all different than we were on 1/1/10. I just pray that we are better people. That we have learned so many things. I am so thankful for knowing God has walked with me along with my family and friends. Ok God, what is in store for 2011. Be there with me every day ok?
Summer, there are days I wish we lived closer, girl. I have a feeling we'd be close friends who share a lot of deep things. If you want the recap of my own hard year, you'll have to read my facebook note. You are STRONG, my friend. Thanks for sharing your heart with us all…and for your amazing photography too.
Love this post and love you. You are strong and I think in many ways we saw might in you prior to your ability to see it yourself. And yet that is what pain does…a friend once told me that pain does one of two things…it can make us crazy or it can make us holy. And holy is what God is transforming you into…one day at a time, one experience after another. It is obvious to me that God is in you and that God uses you – and that you are bolder than you have ever been before in the way you approach parenting, friendships, writing…and I am sure so much more. I was headed to bed and have not been on the computer much lately but before turning in thought, "oh…I wonder if Summer posted something for the new year? Let me check real quick!" I am so glad I did. Thinking of you often.
Happy New Year!!! Wonderful post!!! You are strong, looking forward to following you in 2011!!