As a new year starts I usually have this habit of looking back and seeing how my life is different than it was in last year. Is it better? Is it worse? What was I doing one year ago, or two years ago? Where was I mentally, emotionally, physically? What have I accomplished in the last year? What were the challenges and obstacles placed in my path and how did I overcome them?
This past year has been particularly difficult. My life has taken a huge left turn and, if you would have asked me a year ago, I could have never imagined that life could be this good.
As I write this I think about all the people out there who feel like they are mired in unhappiness, whether it be a bad marriage or a bad job or anything in between, and believe that they will never be happy again. There is hope out there. If I could just look you in the eyes and say, “Hang in there!” I would. You’ve all heard the saying, “Everything will be all right in the end, if it’s not all right, then it’s not the end.” Take heart, my friends. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
So I sit down, remembering where I was a year ago, and write down my observations about how much life can change in a year. Here’s what I came up with:
One year ago I was discovering that more promises were broken and the lies had never stopped.
Today, I still have no answers; but his lies cannot hurt me any more.
One year ago someone who I thought was my friend took my husband’s side.
Today, I can be thankful that my ex-husband has someone to help him through a difficult time in his life.
One year ago I was looking for a way to die to get away from a life that had become this drudgery of disappointment after disappointment, and showed me no way out.
Today, I feel I have so much to live for. Life is full of miracles.
One year ago I was mourning the loss of my 12-year old dog. I felt completely lost without him, this canine companion with whom I had shared so much time.
Today, I have a new dog who, while not a replacement, is a wonderful successor.
One year ago I was looking at the prospect of uprooting my entire life and dreading what was to come.
Today, I am settled in my new home and routine, growing new roots, and looking forward to the future.
One year ago I was afraid of where I would live if I were to leave.
Today, I have benefitted from the generosity of family who have opened their home to me and protected me from harm and kept me safe.
One year ago the prospect of moving was looming ahead.
Today, after two moves, I have found a house that I can call a home.
One year ago I was searching for a way out of a marriage.
Today, I am free of that marriage.
One year ago, I placed my trust in Jesus and surrendered my fate to Him.
Today, I am reaping the rewards of that trust.
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