WOW!!!! That's all I can say as I look back over the past year and see all the changes that have taken place in my life. Never in a million, zillion years would I have guessed, just one year ago, that I would be where I am now. This past year has been the most interesting, crazy, stressful, hardest, most difficult year of my entire life. And guess what . . . it's not over yet. However, as I look where I was at in August, when this flash of a school year was just beginning, I cannot help but extremely thankful for all the progress I have made, both personally and spiritually. Do I still struggle, yes I do. But am I doing much better than just a few months ago, you betcha!
If you had asked me in mid-September if I would have been coming back to Dordt for the spring semester, I would have told you there was no way in the world. I didn't think I had anything here left for me. But guess what!? I did, and it was incredible. I am soooo thankful for all the wonderful people I have met this year that I didn't know last year. The new friends I have made, who have accepted me for who I am, have been incredible and have made this school year what it was for me. My family has been the epidemy of love and understanding as they have guided me through this difficult time, never once showing frustration or anger but always showing love, compassion, and incredible understanding. Finally, I am stand in awe of the opportunities I have had in theater and Comedy League this year. When I lost baseball, which I loved with everything I had, I was incredibly blessed to find something new to put my energy and efforts into. I cannot wait to continue!
The struggle is frustrating, and I don't always understand why it is happening the way it is, but it has caused me to grow spiritually in awesome ways. It has forced me to take a hard look at aspects of my life and make some really positive changes. I continue to look forward to the day when it is all behind me, and as I look back I realize that chunks of it already are. Do I still struggle with doubt - yes. Do I know why - not really. But I try to trust in that very God and hang onto the fact that he loves me and has a "good and perfect will" for my life; plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans for a future and a hope. I cannot thank everyone enough for what they have been to me this year, and I hope and request that you all continue to pray for me as I plug along in this crazy thing called life. I continue to encourage everyone to ask me questions if you have any -- I would love to talk to you. Thank you for a great year and have a wonderful summer!
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." - James 4:8-10
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