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The Good

 We humans must be a nostalgic bunch because it's the last day of 2022 and everywhere I find people posting highlights from the year that's almost behind us. Oh well, I'm about to join them. 

This morning as I was praying I found myself giving a great deal of thanks for this past year. Yes, yes, I cried this year too. That surprises no one as I'm pretty sure only screen doors were installed to keep my tears at bay. No matter. I heard somewhere that tears are healing. But I don't want to talk about the sad things, I want to share a couple of lists of good things that I either discovered or am simply thankful.

Thanks

  • Another year is over and I spent it with wonderful friends who do real life with me. I am grateful for the cups of tea, carpooling, book club, walks, paddle boarding, meals, texts, and conversations. God is kind to create us with the ability to love so many people so deeply. 
  • I received a new niece and nephew this past year.
  • Most of my friends had babies, so I guess I gained a bunch of nieces and nephews. 
  • I've prayed for years for a single friend and this year I received a couple. 
  • I started working part time at a job that I really like. 
  • My body can do all the things I need and want it to do. Fingers play the piano, eyes read words, nose smells the fresh rain, legs can walk or swim or bike. This year in particular I am aware that not everyone has these things, and I am grateful that I do. 
  • The ability and time to learn.
  • My grandparents. They love God and each other and us and their church. The more I get to know them the more I want to be like them. They know how to talk seriously and they know how to laugh till they cry. They know how to pray. 



What I Discovered/Liked

  • Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, go find him on Spotify 
  • Paddle boarding, need I say more? 
  • Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Series 
  • L. B. Graham's Binding of the Blade Series 
  • George MacDonald's books (these have become my Sunday evening reads)
  • Sparkling water (why am I so late to the game with these?) 
  • I started writing poetry this year and published a little book of it. You can find that here. 
  • My apartment sized dishwasher. Game changer. 
  • Lindywell Pilates. Also a game changer. 
  • The library



It has been a full year, but a good year. I loved camping and going to Tobermory, playing games with my family and having campfires with my friends, sitting on the couch with embroidery or a good book, my paddle board and my bike. As I bid adieu to 2022 I'll post the two songs that I keep going back to. May they continue to speak truth to you and me as we begin another year, another adventure, moment by moment trusting and loving our Father in Heaven. 








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