I thought I would make a "gratitude" list of the top five lessons I learned this year.
5. I have been given at least five thousand and seventy six things to help teach me patience. And there is no such truth as once you learn patience you won't be tried. Because really, once you learn patience, you won't mind being tried. And I have not learned enough yet. Clearly. But I have learned a little bit more. Life is about progressing one day at a time. So I pray to be continually exposed to more situations that teach me patience.
4. Change is possible. Look at the 49ers. I mean, really, who at this point last year thought they would be going to the NFC championship and possible SUPERBOWL!! I sure didn't. On a more personal and serious note, I never thought I would be able to experience some of the incredible changes in my life I have this year. I am completely sure that we as humans are lame, but we can draw from God's power to be better. We must always be looking to change because we never reach perfection and that is truly okay.
3. Each tear we have will be compensated by happiness if we live righteously. I have had some difficult experiences this year. Some of them felt so awful I can't even stand to think about them. At the same time, I have met some of the most important and wonderful people and felt so much love from above and truly reset my life into the right direction. I truly have the best friends and most wonderful family in the world. I love them all so very much. It has taken a lot of love and sacrifice from some people and I am eternally indebted.
2. Brussel sprouts taste like ink and eating cheesecake makes me feel like I'm making out with my food. I don't like either one and I never will. Period. And I still think I'm allergic to mushrooms. I hope Emily has reported my issues with brussel sprouts, cheesecake, ranch and mushrooms to God. RIP angel.
1. "People are often unreasonable, irrational and self centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway." I could not agree with a statement more. I feel as if I truly learned these principles this year, I haven't perfected any of them, but I really believe them with all my heart. I know I have and can get so caught up worried about what others may think or not feeling complete without external validation, but I've realized it really has nothing to do with anyone else. Peace is feeling that comes from within. No external forces can disturb true peace. My life will be a journey towards peace.
Throughout it all I have come to believe more fully when we look back and see only one set of footprints it is because He was carrying us the whole time. Life is all about perspective. We each will have a different set of difficulties. Our attitude and perception is the part that matters most.
2011, I probably won't miss you too much, but without that chapter my life story would be shorter in more ways than one ;)
