Tags
Casting Crowns, Christ Jesus, First Epistle to the Thessalonians, God, Gratitude, Holidays, Jesus, lessons, perspective., suicide, Will of God
The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love spending time with family and I love good food and the holidays combine both those things. Besides that, during the holidays I find that the atmosphere is…different…there is more cheer and happiness in the air than usual, and I love that. This year has been unexpectedly challenging for me (some challenges are still not over!) and so as this year starts coming to a close, I reflect. ‘Tis the season for a lot of things, but for me this year ‘tis the season for gratitude.
I feel like I grew up a lot this year, it’s funny because even though I am quite grown, I feel like I grew up some more. The biggest lesson that I’ve learned this year is keeping things in perspective. Some things are extremely important, some are not, some people are extremely important, others are not. Some things are definitely worth fighting for, some are not, some things are worth your time and energy and efforts, some things are not. It’s so important and at times difficult to figure out which is what. Life is definitely crazy (some times more than others), and you have got to learn to keep things in perspective. I learned that a lot this year and for that I am grateful. I am grateful for the unexpected and challenging experiences that I faced that taught me these lessons. These experiences also revealed to me the beauty and the strengths in the relationships that I have in my life causing me to appreciate and value those people all the more. What have you experienced in 2013 that you are grateful for?
And so, as 2013 begins to end and 2014 is almost upon us I am ending the year on a good note. I’m choosing to keep the right perspective, grateful for everything that has happened and hopeful for everything that is yet to be because in reality it could always be worse. To me, every year begins a fresh new start, even moreso every day can be a new start, if you need it to be. This year, 2013, has not been easy for me (and maybe for you too!) and that’s okay. We survived it, we made it through 2013 and now we stare down the barrel of 2014…
A lot of times, life may not turn out the way we wanted, the way we expected, the way that we worked hard and planned for…but the gift of life is still a very precious gift… even when we can’t bear it or understand it. Merely being alive is a privilege denied to many, so, as 2013 draws to a close, if you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Hold onto your faith, your hope, your gratitude …because we don’t know what amazing things may lie just ahead on the horizon.
For me in 2013 things got a lot worse before they started to get better. And for you, 2014 can be the best year of your life, but you won’t know until you get there, so hold on. No matter what happens, no matter what tomorrow brings, or next month, or next year….continue to give this life YOUR best shot, roll with the punches, give it all you’ve got, never give up, never surrender because with life you really only get one shot, this is the only life you get. So whatever your life circumstance or situation embrace the ups and the downs, it’s what makes life exactly what it is, a very unique one in a lifetime experience, for you and you alone, THIS is your life. So, if you need help seek it, if you need guidance get it, if you want to change your life, do it, the time is now. If not now, when?
1 Thessalonians 5:18
King James Version (KJV)
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Relatable Song:
Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
