Thank you, 2011

Here we are again, getting ready to usher in a new year.  I've heard many say bring on the new year because 2011 was so bad.  Others don't want to move on because 2011 was so good.  For me, 2011 was a year of growth...and growth isn't always easy but it is necessary.  It was a year ago tonight that I dedicated my year to looking to, and for, more than myself in all circumstances.  I made the decision to be more aware of what I could do for others by listening to and putting into action what I have been called to do.  It was about being ME...being what God made ME to be. 
Here's a little of what I learned and experienced in 2011:
I learned that when I focus on being a servant then the world around me becomes a different place.  I see people and situations differently.  
I experienced what an amazing ride life is when you truly put it in God's hands.  Ten years ago, I was RIF'ed from my first teaching job due to funding cuts.  I was pregnant and losing a job I loved.  But I had the deep desire to stay home with my new baby boy. So I placed my career in God's hands and just prayed that when the time was right for me and my family, I would be back in the classroom.  Exactly ten years later, I am back to teaching the exact same classes, at the same school.  He cares for our finances and will provide what we need when we need it....but it's on His time.  That's a hard lesson to learn and accept.  I will most likely always struggle with my timing not matching up to His timing. 
Speaking of time, 2011 also brought me and my family a time of loss and grief.  Saying my Earthly goodbye to my grandmother was difficult but I cannot imagine saying goodbye to a loved one without the faith and peace in knowing we will meet again.  I experienced the comfort and peace that passes understanding.
2011 brought many moments that left me saying, "Really?! God, I don't understand!"  But I am learning that it is not for me to understand.  It is for me to stay the course and trust. Notice I said, I'm learning.  This is ongoing and will probably always be a continuing education lesson for me.
Oh, continuing education! This brings me to my Masters Girls...and the lesson that God will give us the people in our lives that we need, when we need them.  I was blessed to enter into Master's classes with two ladies I had never met but we quickly became friends.  We are also sisters in Christ and were just what each other needed!
Everything I learned this year, I really already knew.  However, while I knew it, I wasn't truly trusting it.  I wasn't trusting in God's plan and promises.  So when I say that this was a year of growth, it was a year of growing to trust more.  Growing in the trust of what I know and believe to be true. 
Thank you, 2011.