Things I've Learned in 2013
(in no particular order)
1. I learned how to change a flotation system on a toilet.
2. I learned how to cohabitate in a hotel for one month.
3. Sunsets are just as beautiful in a temporary dwelling.
4. People have a goodness inside them. It's not always evident...but...in a crisis, goodness pours forth and friends come together, united in the cause to help someone in need.
5. Life goes on. Siblings still fight. Bills still have to get paid. Laundry still piles up. Homework needs to get done, papers need grading, illnesses still catch you off guard...but...it's not always necessary to shave.
6. Not all showers are created equal... (thus, the shaving sentiment).
7. Purging hurts. Going through all of your possessions, one box at a time, deciding whether or not to get rid of it (because it still has that smoke odor) is a difficult process.
8. It is good to have insurance. For many reasons. And. A house that sits for 7 months slowly dies.
9. I've learned how to defend myself in court.
10. Sometimes being away helps you appreciate more fully. Family time becomes more precious when it's instances are fewer and farther between--whether due to growing teens or circumstances beyond your control.
In summary,
2013 is over
and I am glad.
I spent today looking over
my blog from this year.
Some of the memories
...twisted in my stomach...
and
some of the memories
...gave me that warm, happy feeling...
that feeling of home.
Oddly,
I look back on our month
in that hotel
with fondness.
And we had some good times
in our temporary home(s)
in spite of
all that
was crumbling around us.
It is all too easy to become
...encumbered...
by
...life's inconveniences...
spiraling downward
into sadness
and frustration.
And in the same thread,
it is extremely difficult
to maintain
...perspective...
...this, too, shall pass...
and guess what?
It has.
...and...
a new year
is upon us.
May we move forward into this new year
with a deeper appreciation
of
perspective.
May we take moments to look back on our lives
and
remember, contemplate, consider
that perhaps
trials that come our way
...are meant for good...
"...Keep looking up...
...'cause that's where it all is..."
Truly.
Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD."
...because...
Exodus 14:14
"The LORD will fight for you;
you need only to be still."
Happy New Year
Happy Remembering
Happy New Beginnings!
