The last 2 months have been marked with many 1 year anniversaries. From sending my resume to Sherwood, to my first weekend, to THE interview at Cracker Barrel, to the big move to the small city. I can be very sappy at times, and coming out of the holiday season has probably only made it worse. Its made me look over the last year quite a bit and all the lessons I've learned, the most important I wrote about previously.
Among those lessons, I've learned so much about myself, and about the high points of life. For example...
- Hearing "Miss Kristin" thrills my heart, and it is a true delight to have a child run up shouting it, while reaching for a hug. I cannot explain it other than to say it is one of those small, sweet gifts from the Lord. With that, comes this unusual "momma bear" instinct that can only come from being around some many precious children.
- It has been cool to see how God ordained certain life experiences to prepare me for this season of my life. For instance, my degree and time spent working at UM aided me in having a teacher and event planner brain all at the same time. Being from a large family has helped know how to handle multiple people of different ages. I always have an example story for a child or parent about one of my siblings, ha. All that to say, the least important of instants to me, have been purposeful to God's plan.
- It is a great joy to stand by dear friends as they take on a new last name, and holding sweet babies whose parents I call friends. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, I've learned is one of the greatest joys of this life. To watch and be a part of monumental moments of those you have laughed, cried and prayed over...ugh I could cry just thinking about it!
- My brothers and sisters are growing up. A given I know. But it hit me hard this year. Samuel started college, John started middle school, and Madelyn can see the light at the end of the tunnel called high school. Josiah isn't a baby anymore and is a rambunctious little boy. Before we know it, we'll all be married and cramming into my parents house for holidays.
- I don't have to plan every second of my day, and it is healthy for me... sometimes.
All in all, I cannot express how good the Lord has been to me since moving to Albany. Its been a great year, and I am looking forward to however many more the Lord will give me at Sherwood!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
