As I was sitting in silent reflection this morning, I began writing in my journal. I must admit that the holidays are always a little difficult for me, and this year was no exception. I had a couple of rough patches, but with a lot of prayer and support from the amazing people in my life, I was able to push through and evade the darkness that sometimes tries to creep back in. Once I got my emotions out on paper, I felt the need to begin documenting all of the amazing things that have happened in my life this past year. Counting my blessings is always so cathartic for me.
As I began to write, I began to feel such joy! I quickly filled up three pages. The list continues to grow as I look back over old pictures and journal entries and blog posts and reminisce on the memories I’ve made this year. I am indeed blessed!
Here are some of the highlights of my past year:
LIFE. I am so grateful to be alive today. When I was dead spiritually, and lost in myself, I merely existed. Today I am truly alive, eternally alive, and so grateful to be finally living my life! I am so excited at the possibilities of my new life and God’s plan for me, I want to soak up everything and cherish every moment, person, experience and memory to the fullest!
HEALTH. Considering how I abused my body for so long, I am in perfect health! I am so grateful to God for His amazing protection and healing!
RECOVERY. In August I celebrated two years clean and sober. I owe it all to God. He has done for me what I could not do for myself! I am truly recovering and trudging the road to happy destiny!
PEOPLE. God has brought so many people into my life in the past year that have loved me, inspired me and challenged me to grow spiritually: Mrs. Patti and Mrs. Kaye from my old church; my counselor Darlene; my old roommate Jen; my supervisor and mentor DeAnna; my sponsor and mentor Margaret; the amazing fellowship of AA and the people in my home group, Courage at Noon; my friend and roommate Rachael; my fellow AmeriCorps members; my friend and office mates George and Katy; my old friend and intern Katie; Rafi and the talented artists at the Palafox Market; and of course, all of my friends and family back in Louisiana and across the country that continue to love me, support me and inspire me from afar.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH. By devoting much time to prayer, meditation and study, I have grown leaps and bounds spiritually. I was talking to my roommate this morning about looking back at old journal entries and being amazed at the growth I had experienced in just a few short months. Through the study of scripture and other spiritual writings and by applying the spiritual principles of AA, my mind is being renewed and my spirit is growing and thriving!
SERVICE. The more I grow spiritually, the more I desire to be a servant. Through my work with AmeriCorps and my service in recovery, church and community, I seek to grow more like Christ every day and to live by the words He spoke to the disciples in Mark 10:45.
CHURCH. I found my new church family at Liberty North after they began a series entitled SERVOLUTION, the mission of former pastor, Dino Rizzo, of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge. His mission and vision are identical to the one God has given to me and I believe the entire Body of Christ.
BEAUTY. God has given me this new set of eyes. Before I never even noticed all of the beauty that is around me. Now I am truly enamored with it! I just can’t get enough of people, music, art, nature. I love watching the sun set, the leaves on the trees, the petals on the flowers, the birds singing, the squirrels playing, the waves crashing on the beach, the amazing gifts and talents in the people I meet, good books, good conversation, laughter, all of the amazing things that I seemed to overlook when I was merely existing. I’m so grateful to finally be able to see and appreciate all of the beauty around me.
FAITH. The only thing I can say about faith is that having it is so much better than not having it. My faith is what has enabled me to make it to this point. It means I trust in God and not myself. I truly believe that He works all things together for my good. I am finally able to conquer my fears and do things I once thought impossible! I am finally able to recognize and seize opportunities when they come my way!
FAVORITE LITTLE THINGS. Now I appreciate the little things. It is the sum of these favorite little things that come together to give me a rich, satisfying life. My beach cruiser bicycle, my new apartment, the comfy bed that Rachael gave me, my black hoodie, getting to see John Mark McMillan play, watching the Blue Angels, going to the beach, having coffee with the artists at Palafox Market, sunset dinners at Jaco’s, the fountain at Long Hollow Park, my sister’s amazing artwork, lunch with Rachael after church, coffee at The Leisure Club, going to the movies, reading a good book, discovering new music, watching Game of Thrones...these are just a few of my favorite little things.
Looking back, I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude for what God has done in my life this past year.
Looking ahead, I am filled with wonder and expectation for what the future holds.
Happy New Year! I pray your 2013 is filled with amazing things!
