What a Year!

I'm being sort of reflective today with it being the first of my 27th year. When I step back to think of it so much of my life has changed in the last 12 months. I went from being a Duke grad school trying to find a way to keep studying until graduation, living with two great roommates and future pastors, and being a lowly intern at a rural church who also happened to have a boyfriend TO life as associate pastor Elizabeth at a church of 350 or so in membership, in a 3 bedroom house all to myself with a fiancee named Kevin. Wow!

So, do I think I'm any wiser?
I don't know if I myself can be the judge of that. But, if lessons in patience produce wisdom then I must have some for this past summer of waiting for a job and ordination were rough. I made it through, though! The trials of it all showed me I am tougher than I originally might have believed myself to be.

Do I think I'm any taller?
God, I hope not. Five foot nine is just enough height for me.

Do I think I've learned anything?
Of course. Although most of what I've learned in the past year probably would land in the category of random and useless facts like how finally to spell San Antonio since I visited there last August.

Do I think I've left the planet any better than I've found it this year?
God only knows, but I hope so. I've joked around with my seminary friends a couple of times about what I want to be on my tombstone one day: "She shared her narrative with us" has sort of been my go back to phrase. (Although you may not get this reference if you don't listen to the music of Sara Groves). I hope that with the life I've been given, I've loved much and well. Of course I know I've disappointed many, messed up a lot as is part of my human nature, but through it all I hope through the grace of others and God it ALL has been made well.

Thanks to all of you who make life in my 27th year such a happy place to be!