Each year on my birthday I like to look back at the previous year and reflect on all that I've experienced. Let's just say year 22 was the fullest and most eventful year yet. None of the plans I had for myself came to pass...not one. It was full of discomfort, emotion, uncertainty and anxiety. Year 22 was by far my greatest year.
I know you're probably thinking, "this girl is nuts! Not one of those things sounds pleasant!" You're right. There were times during this past year that were the furthest thing from pleasant. I struggled with what career path I truly wanted to take and with the man who was persistent and continued to try to pursue a relationship with me. Things got uncomfortable very quickly.
Sometimes when we are stepping into what God has for us, we have to get uncomfortable.
I love the organization I work for. We are able to help a lot of people and are encouraged to stay true to our Christian values while doing so. I took a leap of faith and accepted a position that was much more demanding than the one I had. It was a great growth opportunity for me, so I took it! It ended up being a terrible fit for me. The job did not compliment my skill set, so the few months that I was in that position were very tough for me. After many months of praying about what I should do, another job opening became available. This job was right down my alley. I was able to work in the same organization, but work with special populations who needed specific care to help manage their medical issues. If I wouldn't have taken the first job and gotten uncomfortable, I probably wouldn't have been able to step into this job. God knew was He was doing and He was seeing if I would wait on Him to move on my behalf. And boy did He move!
This time last year (start of year 22) one of my gym buddies started texting me on the daily. I knew he was interested in getting to know me on a deeper level by the way he was acting. However, I had decided in my mind that I was not going to be dating anyone in the near future. I was tired of weak men who thought they wanted commitment, but then would chicken out once a relationship started getting serious. So I just decided that I would help him out by kindly rejecting him...8 months later I'm engaged to him. Crazy how that works.
Throughout this year, I have had to really work at trusting God. When things in life don't go according to plan, it's easy to become uneasy and fearful of what the future may hold. However, after continuing to seek the Lord and what He wanted for my life, the picture slowly but surely became clear. I said yes to the love of my life, without any anxiety, and knowing without a doubt that he was the one God had made for me.
As soon as Browning got up from one knee and we were walking back to celebrate with family, one thought came to mind:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
As I look back on this past year, I am overwhelmed at God's faithfulness. I never in a million years would've imagined this happening to me in such a short amount of time. This goes to show that we should never underestimate Christ. He makes all things work together for good. So I encourage you next time you're feeling a little uncomfortable, do your best to embrace it! God is moving on your behalf and beauty is just around the corner! :)
Year 22 was a beautiful year. It was filled with more love and joy than I could've imagined. Here's to year 23. I know this coming year will be the best year yet, and possible the best year ever (March 22 I say "I do"). I'm taking one more step into becoming the woman God wants me to be.
He promised that He would provide for me. That He would supply all of my needs. That He would give me the desires of my heart. I'm so grateful. He who promised is faithful!
1 comment:
Happy birthday! Just when I least expected it, Sweet came into my life. Sometimes life's little surprises are the best! Love to you and Browning...Aunt Deborah
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