Completion?

Today I am doing a lot more reflecting on the past year. Of course, isn't that what we all do? On this day last year, I remember crying a lot. We had recently had our first miscarriage. . .we were living in a temporary home, waiting for ours to be built. . .I was very overwhelmed at work. . .I just felt like I hadn't accomplished anything in 2006. Emotionally and spiritually, I felt like I was worse off at the end of the year then when it began. I remember thinking I really hope 2007 is better than this.

A few weeks later, my pastor shared with us his vision for 2007. He declared 2007 a year of completion for us. Of course, I had so many of my own ideas about what that would and should look like. It didn't really turn out like I had planned, but I am so thankful to stand here today at the end of 2007. I have joy in my heart as I look back over 2007 with no regrets. . .and I have hope as I look to 2008 for those things that have not yet been completed.

This year marked so many wonderful things. My parents moved to town (the first time I've had them close for over 12 years), Dave finally got a new job and because of that provision, I was able to cut back my hours at work. Dave and I became leaders of a small group at church and although we were a little scared at first to lead, we are loving this new family that has grown together this year. And last but not least of course, we are now 18 weeks pregnant with our little girl!

This year also marked many hard and sorrowful things. We miscarried our baby girl over the summer and then endured fertility treatment (not too extensive, but never really that fun) to conceive this child. We've walked with my parents who have had a bit of a difficult time transitioning here and my brother and his wife lost a baby to miscarriage right before Christmas.

I purpose to be joyful over the triumphs and hopeful through the tragedies. I know that although 2007 was a year of completion in many ways. . .like I said before, He just isn't finished yet. Sure, I would have loved for Him to wrap it all up nicely with a little bow in time for Christmas this year. . .but He did not. And so I continue to hope and to believe and to not lose heart.

I continue to pray for all of you. . .that you will have the same mixture of joy and hope as you move into 2008. He is working it all together for our good.