Sarah D. Shearer

Dear 2017,

You have been something else. You swept in, all high on hope and dreams, and promised me many things.  Some have come, others have not. And that is okay.

You have taught us, as humanity, many things.  I want to thank you for reminding me of  the people I really and truly need. My circle has dwindled from a gaping oval to a tiny little circle, and for this life -of -the -party extrovert, it hasn’t been the  easiest  transition. I’m learning some people come into your life for a season, and others stick around for the duration, and both are okay.

You taught me I am capable of more than I thought I was. I traveled to the Philippines  by myself,  I got a job as a translator, I moved out into my own apartment, and probably more things than I can think of right now.

When pushed out of our comfort zones, we often surprise ourselves.

I learned not to judge so much. Friends come to us from all different places, and our job is to be light and love, not analyze and compartmentalize. I’ve had some major surprises this year, and whereas in the past I may have been too close minded, this year I have learned to expect the unexpected.

I learned The Office is the best television show of all time.

I learned my parents and my brother and sisters are really the best humans out there. I think I already knew this in 2016 though.

In 2018…..

I am learning to say no.

I am learning to say yes.

It’s all about timing.

I’m learning to forge ahead and not wait for someone to come along. God has a plan, my job is to keep moving forward.

I’m learning to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn.

I’m learning I am not as together, organized, or as sweet as I thought, and that’s ok. I’m a work in progress, and so are you, dear reader.

My prayer for us in 2018 is that our joy would be secure in Jesus, not in the shifting waters of this world. In the midst of trending topics which make our heart sink, unexpected endings and beginnings, divorces, job changes and new marriages, our hope can be secure.

Truly.

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All Other Ground is Sinking Sand.