It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love the month of December- the whole month is magical to me. I love the anticipation of being with family, of having a long break from work...love the foods, classic movies, piney cinnamon smells and Christmas music. And I am suprised at how different this season feels to me than it ever has. I literally do not care one iota about anything other than being with those we cherish. I say that not to pride myself--but to reflect on the realization and ponder what has changed in me this year. Certain things have been experienced that have apparently changed my mental framework. We are certainly still exchanging gifts and will enjoy it- but distance and loss have helped me focus on what matters and encouraged me to treasure eternal gifts rather than material ones.

In other news, my family was in town this weekend to celebrate birthdays and run another 5K-

Last week my UIL group competed, 2 out of 3 placed!

Thoughts

I have been thinking about the way I live out my life...

I go through the motions every day of waking up, going to work, coming home, running, cooking, catching up with people....

It's all normal to me and I often overlook the fact that I am in the middle of the path that God Himself has put me on. The little things I do, and the more important ones as well, are all part of a plan with a purpose.

As I reflect on that truth, I see more clearly just how much I appreciate the life God has given me. I have married the sweetest husband and we have so much fun together. I love coming home to him. I love that I dreamed in nursing school of being a school nurse and now I have that dream job. I am blessed with a wonderful family and get to see them often. I have a handful of trustworthy friends. We exercise freedom in our lifestyle to travel and have adventures.

Seasons will come and go, and I cannot complain in this place of life. More importantly, I cannot ignore or grow accustomed to the normalcy of where I am at. I know that I may not always see tangible blessings the way I do now and pray that I do not idolize my life, but I am grateful for visible fullfillments of hopes right now.

I have more dreams and desires. I rest knowing that my life is in God's good hand and whatever happens is part of a perfect plan.

'Loving my life' cannot be the goal though. Reaching a place where I am satisfied purely because of all of my physical blessings is like building my house on the sand. It is not eternal. I recognize God's goodness to me now, and know it may not always be so obvious. His word reminds me that God disciplines His children, I will go through trials...

All this to say- God is always working, always in charge and I pray to never forget I am His vessel, on His path- and sometimes He will bless us with even more than we dreamed of~