What 2013 Taught Me...

Another year is gone.  Just like that, it is over.  And a new year is here.  I still can't believe it is already 2014!  This past year, like every year, had it's highs and lows, challenges, and joys.  And every year, there are lessons to be learned.  Here are the things that 2013 taught me...

• Life goes so quickly.  And I feel like the older I get, the faster the years seem to whiz by.  I often take time for granted, wishing for what the future holds, and not living in the here and now.  And I have missed out on a lot of joy because of that.  No more of that.

• God's love for me is perfect.  I have always known this--but this year I feel like I have actually learned what that truly means.  When something is perfect--it is unwavering.  And that means that God doesn't love me more when I am doing everything right, and He doesn't love me less when I am a huge mess.  Finally getting that fact has changed my life.  Seriously.

•   Letting go doesn't mean giving up.  This year I made a huge decision to let go of my plan.  And that was hard.  Really, really hard.  It broke my heart a bit.  But the second I let go, God took over and began pouring out the blessings.  There are so many things I am still praying for, and believing for, but I think I am right where I should be for now. 

• I belong in the classroom.  After a few confusing years of not teaching--I have realized that teaching is my calling, no matter how hard I tried to fight it.  Another thing I have realized is that teaching is my gift.  And instead of wishing I had a different gift, a more "spiritual" gift, I am thankful that God has given me such an amazing opportunity to love on the kids that enter my classroom every single day.  Teaching is a huge responsibility--especially when you think of it in the spiritual manner.  What I do and say each day matters.  Maybe not today, or next year, but it will influence my students.

• No matter how busy life gets-you have to make time for what is most important.  This year has been so incredibly busy.  I have been working a ton.  My hubby has been working a ton.  And while we love our jobs, and want to give our jobs our very best, sometimes we have to let go of things.  Let's be honest--our relationships with Jesus, our spouse, our family, our friends--those are the things that matter most.  In order to have any relationship--you must give it time, and attention.  I don't want to lose sight of what matters.

So, now that it is 2014, I am sure there are a million more lessons to be learned, mistakes to be made, and fun to be had.  And I welcome that.  My hubby and I were talking about our "goals" for 2014, and I can say that my goal is just to love better.  To love Jesus more.  To love my husband more.  To love my family and friends better.  To love others with a selfless heart.  And to love myself the way God created me.  Because, friends, that is what it is all about.

Happy New Year and blessings to you all!  I have no doubt that 2014 is going to be exploding with God's goodness.