More Reflections

As I sit listening to Christmas music, my thoughts just naturally once again turn towards reflections upon the past year and looking towards the new year. I feel like I have grown this past year in several areas of my life. I have developed my leadership skills. In work, I've been able to establish my "niche" in project management; and have developed my ability to lead meetings and track projects. I've also learned to accept the responsibility of making decisions. I have also been able to develop my skills in leading my Adult Fellowship class. There is still much to learn; but, it's good to know that I am growing. I also look back upon last year's challenges; and see what a difference a year has made. My new renters are great; and I am encouraged to know that they are in ministry and I do hope that having a nice place to live that is close to church helps them in their ministry. The relationship I have with them are what I expected; and is such a nice contrast to the one I had previously. No longer is my life filled with drama and emotional turmoil in this area. I also receive more in rent, which really helps financially. I do sometimes "cringe" at how much I've apparently wasted in trying to help my previous renter; but, I trust that it was all part of God's plan somehow. I do know that I have grown so much through that experience. I also feel like I've matured in my perspective of friendships. While it may not be such a good thing to have lost that child-like trust in the goodness of others; the harsh reality of life is that it is necessary to have a wary knowledge of the imperfections of others, even in close "friends". I also have a better understanding of who my true friends are now. The scars from previous wounds have made for "thicker skin". Yet, this does not mean that I have given up on taking risks to invest in the lives of others. On the contrary, I will continue to do so; but, hopefully, now with more wisdom. I also have a renewed confidence in my independence. This time around, in dealing with contractors when changing my windows, I was able to benefit from my experience in the past. I also no longer wonder about Mr "Not-Quite-Right"; and have an almost ethereal assurance and peace in waiting for Mr Right, whether or not he exists. And, I went on the Israel trip with Insight for Living on my own; and enjoyed it. I am at peace and I can see that God is still at work in me.