Sunday, January 1, 2012

Another Year

So last night I went and saw the movie, New Year's Eve, with a friend and during part of the movie Hilary Swank's character gives a little speech about reflection...and it made me freak out a little bit because I hadn't really taken any time to really sit down and think about the past year of my life, haha.

It's always crazy to look back over the past year and to see all the things God brought you through, how He stretched you and taught you things, and about the experiences you had. Most times I'm glad He doesn't fill me in beforehand and that He's not like, "Hey Kristen, just to give you a heads up, I'm to throw this your way/teach you this lesson. Just wanted to give you a heads up." Haha, I think it would probably make life seem more daunting or I would probably freak out given my tendency to stress/worry. In all things, God is so good. Even in the hard and challenging things.

While my life does not look anything like I thought it would at this point, I'm so thankful for where I am and for what I'm learning. I'm learning not to wait for the "adventure" in my life start, because the adventure of life is the here and now. We need to live intentionally and not get swept away and just get by by merely existing.

2011 was a great year. Here's a few events that made it memorable:

-Was an RA in the freshmen ladies' dorm at my college. What a crazy, wonderful adventure.
-Graduated college.
-Graduated college jobless...a true test for me to trust God, haha, especially during the times when I was not chosen for positions I truly wanted. Seeing that God had other plans for me.
-Moved back home and was given the opportunity to spend more time with my family.
-Getting a job at Senior Helpers- meeting a wonderful 87 year old woman, getting to know her, and then getting to be a part of the last 4 months of her life. I still miss her. Seeing the beauty and value of those with Alzheimer's. God's purpose for our lives does not stop even when we forget who we are/lose our ability to function in a daily capacity.
-Started attending a new church
-Got a job working with Kindergartners. They are stinkin' hilarious and I love hearing their outlooks/perceptions on life.
-Realizing the beauty and also the struggles that come with having friends spread out all over the world.

It's a new year. I don't know what's store, but that's part of what makes life fun. I'm hopeful.