The Year That Was Different

Seconds go slowly, years fly by.

Last August I found myself in a new city with a new job. It was a fresh start.

Leading up to that time, I'd guess that over 100 people asked me the question "Are you excited to start your new job?" I never knew quite how to respond. On one hand, of course I was looking forward to the opportunity to meet with students every single day. On the other hand there were a billion unanswered questions swirling through my head.

Will I enjoy my time in Jeff City?

Will I make any friends?

Will I be a good teacher?

It was abundantly clear to me that there would be plenty of tough times ahead. That scared me.

If you knew every little hardship and challenge that lay ahead of you in life, what would you do?

We are the natural beneficiaries of the character and personality built as the result of challenge.  We hate that which is inconvenient to us.  We hate that which stretches us beyond that which we think we can bear.  And yet, we learn and grow through hardship.

This year, I've been challenged in so many ways. I've struggled with not letting my job take over my life. I've struggled with making new friends. I've struggled with finding a new church home. More than anything, I've struggled with taking time to rest. I don't say all these things to make you feel sorry for me. I just think sometimes it's important to remember that life can be challenging.

In honor of fresh starts, I've been trying to make sure to take time to reflect on my experiences this semester. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life that distract us from the beauty all around us. Thankfully, I haven't lost sight of that reality. Each new day brings new opportunity for gratitude and growth, and for that I'm thankful.

One secret you probably don't know about me is that I enjoy writing random things so much that I had a secret blog a few years ago. I think at the time I was afraid of what people would think of me if I let them into my head. Now that fear is a lot less real, and I decided that I'd like to share my thoughts and experiences with others.

This could be my first and last blog post that I share with others. It could very well be the first of many. I'm not sure. Either way, I hope you enjoy the journey. I know I will!

Psalm 46:1