Lessons Learned in 2016

I have wanted to take some time to reflect on 2016 since we first uttered the words “Happy New Year!” but I have not had the opportunity. Today I finally got that chance. As I reflected on 2016, I realized that it was a year filled with lessons. Some were difficult and I hope to not ever have to repeat them, but others were amazing! I would not trade them for anything in the world. Last year was when I learned to write down my lessons, in hopes that they stick and perhaps help someone else along the way. That being the case, I have decided to share them here with you. So, here it goes—my lessons from 2016.

   

   1.    Write down lessons I have learned.

   2.   Don’t do anything expecting something in return.

   3.   Change is at times uncomfortable and lonely.

   4.   Don’t ever give up.

   5.   Take time to heal.

   6.   Forgiveness requires forgiving multiple times--along with a commitment to see it through. It can be a long process.

   7.   Jesus is always with me and has my back.

   8.   Decide in advance to get back up and begin again.

   9.   Trust Jesus.

   10. God never fails.

   11. I am so much more than I thought I was and infinitely more than the world tells me I am.

   12. God’s approval is the only one that matters and the only one I want.

   13. To say what I mean and mean what I say because those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter. (Yes, this is from Dr. Seuss and it is something I have found to be true)

   14. I cannot make people like or love me.

   15. I cannot change people, only God can do that.

   16. I can take anything to Jesus.

   17. It is an awful feeling to be cast aside and excluded—especially in places/spaces where it is least expected.

   18. Pray scripturally.

   19. Spiritual warfare. 

   20. To arm myself in the full armor of God.

   That’s my list of lessons learned in 2016. They have helped me to grow tremendously and for that I am grateful. Mostly, I have been reminded through these lessons that I am not alone in any of it. Jesus is always right there with me—before me, beside me and behind me. And what’s best of all--He is for me! And that will get me through anything!I look forward to what I will learn in 2017. In fact, I am already writing them down. J