2012 was a year of learning many lessons, some easy and others more challenging. One of the most important lessons I'm learning is how precious and fleeting this thing we call life is. And how easy it is for us to turn around and be another year older in what feels like a flash.
One of my biggest struggles is my tendency to be looking so far ahead, I miss the wonder and whimsy of the moment right before my eyes. If I were making a resolution for 2013 (I rarely make resolutions), it would be to remind myself to enjoy the tiny things that, when lumped together, make up this glorious, chaotic, blessed, love-filled existence.
I have spent a lot of time in my last 30 years worrying about ridiculous things that wasted too much of my precious energy. I hope you don't do that. I also spent way too much time doing things that didn't bring me joy. Learn from my mistakes and don't do that either.
If you have a friend who really gets you, cherish him or her. If you don't feel understood, my prayer is that this year will be a chance for you to make a genuine heart connection with someone new.
If I judged 2012 by the circumstances alone, one might think I could choose to see my glass as half empty. Getting fired, family struggles, everyday challenges, etc. But instead, I see my glass (which is really more like a punch bowl) as running over with more blessings that I can contain. I'm constantly amazed at how lovely life looks when I view it through the filter of grace that is in my heart.
I hope 2013 is a wonderful year for you! I hope it holds new beauty and blessings you weren't expecting. And I hope you feel utterly, completely and totally loved because you are.