I love that today is January 2, 2023. Because it means that it's the end of 2022. It wasn't a bad year...at all. On the contrary, so many great things happened in my life.
I turned 69 - a personal goal to live longer than my mom.
I got to work another year at Heartland Church with a fabulous team, getting to do what most 69 year olds never dream possible - design curriculum for kids, partner in producing videos, AND dream and create a Christmas musical.
I got to spend my Wednesdays with Phoenix. Playing, pretending, experimenting, and serving up drink emporium.
I got to read, talk, sing, pray and believe for greater days ahead. Five nights a week with Eva.
I got to discover the absolute addictive fun of the VR world. Specifically, the workout called "Supernatural." Boxing and swinging bats have never been so fun!
And so much more.
But, as much as I loved 2022, I'm happy that it's come to an end. Because it means a beginning is at hand. 365 new days of possibilities. Some which will bring surprises, excitement and adventures. Others will contain a hope fulfilled. For some of us that means a new job, a higher paycheck, a restored relationship. A connection, a love, a purpose. Growth. Healing. Forgiveness. The possibilities are endless!
A new year always brings hope. A fresh hope. A perfectly formed hope. Because it hasn't been weakened by time. We get to stand at the starting point of the year, with our toes on the line, arms wide open, strutting a six pack of hope, ready to run towards all that's coming.
It doesn't matter if its songs, books, movies, TV series, or the calendar. When done, I savor the good, say goodbye to the bad. And then turn my eyes outward. Waiting, expecting, hoping.
Goodbye 2022. Hello 2023. Whatcha got for me?
Hi Sharon! Thank you for this post...I feel the same. 2022 wasn't a "bad" year, but it was my first full year on my own after our divorce in December of 2021. (We're still on good terms) A year to sort out the hurt and how I dealt with it. (Some not so healthy and even destructive) I've never been one for New Years Resolutions or things like that, because there's nothing inherently lucky about turning the page on a calendar. But the closer I came to 2023, I suddenly started to feel like a whole earth-size sack was finally being cast off my shoulders, and the person that I hoped was still under there was reemerging. I started feeling…
I was privileged to see you for many years on the Willow stage. Loved your work then and love your thoughts now. I, too, was mightily changed by the teaching, drama, music, spirit of Willow. Thank you for serving God so faithfully throughout the years.
I love hearing your voice, even in the written form, looking forward to hearing your thoughts every Monday :)
Wonderful encouraging words - much needed these days.
Agree. Waiting for our blessed hope! Titus 2:13