Another Three-Sixty-Five

Truth be told, I don’t usually review my year. I have habits that work fairly well at keeping me on target, so I don’t mess with a system that’s working well. But this has been a year of some significant changes and perhaps my struggles may encourage someone to persevere.

Grief… although my husband died four years ago, I found myself grieving more these last few months. I know you can’t schedule grief, at least I can’t. It seemed to be small things that triggered memories and sadness. My car needed a repair and that was something I didn’t have to handle in the past. I’ll admit that I spoke to his little photo on my shelf and told him that he took really good care of me. And that’s when the tears started. Appreciation… I wish I was more verbal in my appreciation. Although I do remember all the lunches, I made for him through his years of working outside of the home. As his health changed so did his dietary needs. Occasionally I’d sneak in a little note… I’d like to think we both tried to take good care of each other.

Illnesses…I have some family members with significant illnesses. Watching those you love struggle with health issues can be draining, especially the long-term illnesses that tax the energy.  Hospital stays and adjustments to new medications, insurance struggles and changing doctors. Listening to my daughter recount how it took three days and four phone calls to two offices to change her son’s liquid meals. The very nourishment that sustained him was causing issues and his poor momma was caught in authorization glitch. How do you support someone when they don’t live close? I told her that I had been talking to God about her and that I was surprised she found anytime for herself.  And her response was, “Thanks, Mom. It’s good to feel seen.”

Dedication… I’ve made some changes in my writing habits this year. And perhaps you’ve been working on being more diligent in an area too. My writing has always been an outlet for me, but it’s morphed into much more now. In my mind, I now have a boss. I report to my seat on time (most days) and I track my progress. It’s funny that the little check marks I make in my daily planner as I complete my projects feels so good, but it does. And my work is being completed. The photo I took for this blog post was of my daily quiet time notes. This year I have four composition books full of notes that I gleaned from my studies. I now use different colored ink so it’s easier for me to pull out my personal insights to use in my posts. It’s these little changes that make my day easier.

Well, for a year in review, I’d say putting good things in my mind each morning has helped me stay better focused and encouraged. I honestly enjoy my breaks and probably take too many of them and as long as my work is getting done that’ll continue!

Remember to give yourself grace. Every opportunity and challenge teaches us something. May what we learn today assist us in the morrow!

If you can share your big take-away for the year in the comments.

Blessings,

Debbie G

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

#yearendreview #newyearreflection #writerthoughts