in rearview mirrors

Last year at this time, there was a lot of uncertainty in our family. I was really wanting to be at home with Everett and that just wasn't a possibility for us. Aaron was unsure of what the year would bring with his job. Everett still had a heart problem. At the start of 2011, we didn't really know what to expect. We didn't know what God's plan was for us, but this year he showed us that He is real and that he sees us and cares for us and loves us abundantly.

It's been a year that I can look back and see the way God's plan has unfolded. Some things have been really, really hard this year. I had to watch my best friend deal with the death of her little boy. Out of Luke's passing though has also brought an abundance of faith and life with the birth of his little brother Benjamin just last week. This year I also lost my Grandma. She was the last of my living grandparents and a women that I dearly loved. And so, sometimes it's hard to see God's plan and sovereignty when it's so different from what we think it should be, when you see death and divorce and disease permeate people that you love. In all of it though, God has been faithful.

This year has also brought so much joy. It has brought healing in Everett's heart and a career change for me. I quit my teaching job the middle of June and started my favorite job ever as Everett's full time mom. 2011 also brought us into another family, our small group. People that we love and share life with. People that continue to help us learn and grow and live out our faith. Aaron and I celebrated 5 years of life together and I couldn't be more thankful for him. We celebrated 1 happy, crazy, joy filled year of Everett. I was baptized in front of my family and friends. Everett took his first steps. 

Ann Voskamp stated it so simply when she said:

 GOD REVEALS HIMSELF IN REARVIEW MIRRORS.

And looking back on this year? I can see him. I can see the way he was with us in the heartaches and sorrow of this year. I can see the way he was so responsible for the joys. And so, I am thankful. I'm thankful that this year I can look back and see God's plan intertwined with mine and the recognition that His plan is so much better than mine. I'm thankful for all the answered prayer. I'm thankful for 2011 and another year with people I love.

Happy New Year all!