2022 Reflections
2022. When I look back on this year, I think it was a year of learning to enjoy. Learning to enjoy the gift of marriage. Learning to delight in my children, and with my children. To marvel at beauty and appreciate a film or a chai done excellently. Learning to care for this body, soul, and spirit I’ve been given, not encumbered by guilt but out of stewardship and gratitude. Some of that was learned the hard way after many sick days, burnout, and relational heaviness this year. It became a necessity to take joy even when it didn’t come naturally, even when my health was frustrating, even when I just felt stuck and down. I don’t want to spend this brief vapor of a life being irritable, stressed out, discontent, and self-focused, blind to the life, joy, and peace right in front of me. I’ve been learning the simplicity of asking the questions, “God, what do you want me to know?” And “God, what do you want me to do?” Setting aside all the other expectations, fears, and false narratives and focusing in on His life-giving, beautiful words for me and His good, better will for me. And there’s been much freedom there.
This was the year of:
watching my daughter become a goofy, loving, giggly, imaginative, board-game-loving, Encanto-obsessed, funny little girl that loves to sing and make friends and cut paper into many tiny pieces
seeing my son grow into a silly, easy-going, lovable, focused little toddler boy who giggles at funny sounds and words, will start playing a maraca and head-banging every time he hears music, and never minds a nice snuggle with mama.
feeling more connection and enjoyment of my kids than I ever have
also seeing my issues with anger more blatantly than ever and having to deal with it
building out 2 more rooms in our home that have been game changers for our family
being reunited with Carmen after 3 years and getting to soak up 3 weeks together and see her and my kids enjoy each other
getting to see dear friends become moms and to meet their babies
hosting people more consistently in our home and backyard and realizing just how much I love it
Eden and I having our first annual marriage getaway to reflect, pray, enjoy, and plan with each other that was so life-giving to us that we keep telling every married couple to do it (our parents are amazing)
starting to actually enjoy traveling and making memories with my family (which is a big deal coming from this easily-stressed homebody)
being forever changed by a few days with Pioneers board members, receiving so much love and encouragement from some of the godliest, Christ-loving, risk-taking, faithful, passionate men and women I have ever met.
realizing the importance of being healthy, and that taking care of my body, soul, and mind isn’t vanity or selfishness but a necessity to steward what God has given me.
