this post is normally put up by new year's and not around christmas time but i felt like this is the perfect time to do so. my heart is full to bursting and for this old girl that's a good thing.
so many things have happened this year and left me with memories that will last for a lifetime.
again, i am using holley gerth's printable for this because i need to organise my usual stormy thoughts.
God, I'm especially grateful for...
1. Person / People I love: 1. family is already a given. but balikbayan family is something else, especially my tita who i love so much and consider a best friend and not just my aunt. am so happy she's here even for a short time. 2. the new people i met this year whom i've gotten close with and had the opportunity to minister to. no, i didn't know at that time because i was feeling sorry for myself during a particular turbulent time. but when i spoke to my friends D, E, and F (yes those are their initials lol), well, that put things in perspective.
2. Blessing I've received: this year is such a blessing. a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. but a blessing through and through. i wouldn't have it any other way.
3. Something small that brings me joy: stretching out on the couch and staring out into the blue beyond. at least, a small slice of blue sky the living room windows afford me.
4. A favourite memory from this year: this year is one big memory but if we're going into specifics, then it's the following: getting my green belt in arnis; meeting up with F after a long time, wherein she said i needed the debriefing more than she did on that night lol; out of town trip with my bro and cousins to la union; meeting my director after almost ten years; the chance to become someone's sounding board, and of course spending time with my beloved tita.
5. Your provision (ex. Health, house): work is a big thing for this old girl this year. continuing good health after my doctor declared me hyperthyroidism-free last may. that was the best birthday gift i received this year.
6. This prayer You answered: work. it's not something i expected that i would do but i did accept the offer. never knew i had the knack for it but there it is. and i like it, never mind that my office is located in makati. never mind that this is in a corporate setting which is something that i have evaded for more than fifteen years. like i told an applicant months before, it's the learnings and experiences are what i like about working there. this has been a big blessing to me more than i ever knew. next would be my green belt in arnis. this is a sport that i will continue until i cannot anymore. but i still hope that that wouldn't happen. i'd like to see myself in my 60s, 70s and 80s still kicking butt in anyo. hehe.
7. Who you are (ex. Caring, strong, kind): if anyone wants to know any good side of mine, better ask my friends. Although I can say I'm a good listener. Cos my friends say so. and i think it's the only thing i can offer to anyone.
8. Who I am because of You (ex. Loved, accepted): loved, accepted, saved. Sometimes though I can still be really stubborn to the point of being stupid. Oh dear.
9. One thing I have to look forward to next year: like always, i never expect anything. not anymore. even with hope nagging in my brain.
10. Open - Whatever is on my heart today: hope is really something. i've written about what a nag hope is/was these past couple of years even when i ended them with a pessimistic, noteless tune. but looking back at the year that was, well, i could see where hope had gotten me. hope, and waiting on the Lord. all the things i'm doing now are not because of my own strength and smarts; they were rendered practically irrelevant. i had nothing to cling on to except relying on God, and trusting Him to see me through. these are two things that i have admittedly rarely done in the past. but how wonderful it is to realise that He still used my smarts and strength for me to accomplish new things. all these i give back all the praises to Him. yes, that's still about work. haha. and i would also like to add that it is in this season of my life that i had the opportunity to minister to the people around me. so i do believe this is where i'm supposed to be until God calls me to somewhere else.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We give You thanks. (Rev. 11:17)
