This Time Last Year

It’s surreal to think that 2018 is coming to end in a matter of days. I look back and marvel at all that has happened. I think of the prayers that have been answered and some that I continue to trust God for. This time last year the reality was starting to set in that a move out of state was actually going to take place. The decision came quickly because of circumstances but the process leading up to it was years in the making.

This time last year, Bud and I were still trying to figure out how this dream was actually going to work, emotionally, financially and spiritually. There were many discussions about us not being ready to trust God that far. The idea of leaving our family, selling our business and going into the unknown was, frankly, crazy. We aren’t exactly at an age where we can recover quickly if it didn’t work out. But the thought of turning back was even scarier.

Dear dreamer, if you are in a place where you are ready to step out into your unknown, just remember that the first step is the hardest. Those that follow will be met with more courage than you think you have in you. You may feel, like we did, that you’re not ready to trust God in THAT way or for THAT dream. But I believe you’ll find that He is so worthy of your trust. Your dream may not necessitate leaving your family and familiar surroundings behind but it’s inevitable that you’ll need to leave your comfort zone. You’ll know that you’re ready if the thought of giving up on your dream is just not an option.

By this time last year, our house was packed and strangely empty. So many memories were brought back. Old pictures, trophies, birthday cards, memorabilia. We were going to have to downsize in every way possible so it was hard to know what to put in storage and what I couldn’t live without even in our smaller space. It definitely makes you take stock as there were things in every closet that when unearthed, were deemed useless and unnecessary. It was emotional but freeing at the same time.

Take time in the next few weeks to re-evaluate your priorities. Go through your physical closets and see what could be donated to someone in need but remember to go through those emotional and mental ones as well. Discard what brings no value to your life. Rediscover those lost treasures that bring joy to your heart and mind.

This time last year I was trying to picture what my new life would look like. Would people like me and want to be my friend? Would they get my strange sense of humor or think I was just weird? I knew that I wanted to write a blog, find ways to be in ministry, be present in my granddaughters’ day to day lives and find opportunities to speak into their lives in profound ways. Mostly I just wanted to show them that I was brave. Or maybe I just wanted to show myself that I was brave. Looking back a year later, the truth is I couldn’t have imagined how wonderful life could be. The things I worried about this time last year seemed to just work themselves out while other things I feared didn’t happen at all. My family and I have been on so many adventures, big and small. My life is filled with more joy than I could have ever believed. Even during the really painful times this year, those events only served to bring my family closer than we thought possible but even more importantly, closer to God, the One who orchestrated this faith journey.

And it all began about this time last year when we took a step of faith, followed by another, followed by another. If you wait, beautiful dreamer, until you have it all figured out and can see each step before you take it, you’ll miss out on an incredible journey. My only regret is that I didn’t take it sooner. There are things that you fear will happen that never will and even if some do, I promise that God will be with you every step of the way.

So begin your preparations for 2019 by looking back over this year and ask yourself these questions:

1. What goals and dreams did you see come to pass this year?

2. When you look back this time next year what new dreams do you want to have seen come to pass?

Starting your own company, writing a book, moving to a new country, getting healthy, learning a new language, restoring a broken relationship, finishing your education, getting your busy life organized, climb Mount Everest? Whatever it is, dream big and dream with the belief that you are worth more than you can possibly imagine. You and all that you bring to this world are needed. Every time you step out on faith, you bring inspiration and hope to those around you. Your accomplishments motivate others to step out in faith as well. 

So let’s enter 2019 with the determination to not just dream but dream, well you know…