Looking Back at 2008

Looking back, 2008 was a pretty tough year. There were many losses and adjustments for the three of us, but there were also many examples of God's love and provision in the midst of the heartache. It's those moments and gifts that stand out when I reflect on the year.

Each December 31st Jim and I each share our three favorite memories from the year. It's a good exercise in being deliberate and grateful as we look back. This year a few of my favorite memories are very specific, and each one is particularly poignant for some reason.

1. Jim's phone call to tell me we had an offer on our house in Dallas

Taking the leap to move to Nashville with our house in Dallas still on the market wasn't a financial burden because we had housing provided here, but it was a big test of faith. We poured incredible time and money into preparing and staging our house so it would sell quickly, but the market was terrible, and there were no guarantees. We were living in a small condo with only our most basic necessities, and it was a painful time, emotionally. I knew that the sooner we were in a semi-permanent dwelling with all of our stuff, the easier the transition would be. We also needed the money from the sale of our home to actually move our things. So, I specifically, fervently prayed that our house would sell to the first person who looked at it. I knew it was a bold, ridiculous prayer, but I rarely petition God for something so specific and knew that He could always say no. When Jim called me on our third day in the condo and told me that we had a great offer on the house and that it was from the first person who looked at it, I started crying. It was a powerful moment between Jim, God, and me. The Lord could have sold our house to anyone, anytime, and still achieved his goal with us. But doing it the way He did was extra graceful, and it provided confirmation that we had honored Him with our move.

2. Playing at Crockett Park

Last May I was having an especially lonely, difficult day, and I called Jim at work to tell him that we would meet him at the park on his way home from work. I picked up subs and chips, packed a few balls and sweatshirts, and we headed out into a positively beautiful spring evening. As we ate and played and ran, I felt such peace. I had prayed for a beautiful, tree-filled place to raise our family, and God had provided. And, as much as I longed for friends and connections, I was struck by how lucky I was to have such a wonderful son and husband. At one point, while I was pushing Brennan on the swing, we shared hugs and kisses, and my heart was full to the brim. It was a simple, beautiful evening that I desperately needed.

3. Traveling to Jamestown this summer with Brennan

After a trip to Pennsylvania for a family reunion this summer, Brennan and I headed to Jamestown, NY for some more family time. It was one of the first times I can remember really appreciating the area where I grew up. Every day I relived part of my childhood and saw our hometown through new eyes. We went to a baseball game, ate ice cream cones from the ice cream stand where I always went as a child, visited Midway Park (a little kids' amusement park), had a picnic, and Brennan even had a golfing lesson at Chautauqua from his grandpa. Every single day was fun from dawn until dusk, and even though we were away from Jim for ten days, I didn't regret it for one instant. It was just the rejuvenation I needed halfway through our year.

There were many other special memories, but those are three that really stand out. I am so grateful that God showered mercies on our lives while stretching and growing us this year.