2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
If I could sum up the year 2022 with a worship song, the song “God Is In This Story” comes to mind.
There’s torn up pages in this book
Words that tell me I’m no good
Chapters that defined me for so long
But the hands of grace and endless love
Dusted off and picked me up
Told my heart that hope is never gone
Reflections of 2022
The start of 2022 began with relying on the Lord’s strength as my life began to change exponentially. My marriage was over after several failed attempts to repair and restore our relationship. I could no longer deny the fact that what was broken could not be salvaged. I made the difficult decision to divorce. That meant letting go of what was familiar and comfortable to enter into a season of waiting and sole dependence on the Father.
During the spring and summer months, God helped me to see that He has a better plan for me. The Lord does not want His children in toxic and unhealthy marriages. By trusting in God, and ending my marriage, God has led me out of my “Egypt,” and I’m walking into the freedom He has for me. It is incredible to think and understand how The Father already walked ahead and determined every detail of this situation.
The year 2022 was also a year of obedience. First, I took on a leadership role within my home church and agreed to lead a weekly online bible study. Each week, I have the honor of meeting with a group of women from across North America. While I was hesitant at first, I listened to the call and obeyed. This group has been a lifeline to me. We have developed a strong connection, friendship, and deepened our faith. I am eager to see where the year 2023 takes us.
Secondly, I also took a leap of faith and submitted several writing pieces to be published. I was fortunate enough to have one piece selected for the Minnesota Bridging the Gap Ministries devotional. In October, I was able to celebrate this milestone at the annual Thrive conference put on by the Minnesota Assemblies of God church.
Finally, I ended the year by taking a social media fast. My soul felt weary, and the Holy Spirit nudged me to step away from Facebook and Instagram. During a two-month reprieve, I rested. According to an article from goop.com, there are seven types of rest. My soul was in need of spiritual, social, and sensory rest. In early November, I went on a solo trip where I spent quiet time in prayer. I also journaled, read, and enjoyed my surroundings as I stayed in a restored train car. To complete the month of November, I took some time to physically rest as I was recovering from a surgical procedure. I spent several days at home, sleeping, relaxing, and letting my body heal.
While sitting here on the last day of 2022 writing and reflecting, I can clearly see how Jesus was beautifully woven into each aspect of my life this year. And as Katy Nichole sings, “Your song of healing is written in His scars.” I am on the path of healing, thanks to God. The year 2023 is beginning with a renewed sense of peace, hope, joy, and love. I am welcoming new beginnings for this upcoming year.
Thanks!