Learning, Learning.
I love to learn. I am one of those (weird) ones who could go to school my whole life. I think it’s a blessing, because I very easily accept the wisdom of others, so therefore I learn quickly.
However, the lessons I don’t enjoy are the lessons in life, that cost friendships, that cause financial setbacks, that take me off of God’s path for a season.
This past year I have learned a lot about myself. It has been the hardest year of my marriage, the hardest year thus far in Tenessee, and the hardest year in my adult life. There have been a tremendous amount of trials, and they’ve tested every ounce of my strength in every area of my being.
I’ve found out how selfish I can be. I’ve found out how scared I can be. I’ve found out who and what I lean on instead of leaning on God. I’ve found out who and what I take for granted. I’ve found out how weak and impatient I am. I’ve learned that I “nurse” my wounds for a long time, and how selfish that is.
I’ve learned to trust God. I’ve learned to see things in a bigger way, and outside of my own circumstance. I’ve learned there’s more in this world than just my small world. I’ve learned to budget. I’ve learned to think through situations differently, to do what is right and wise, instead of what I feel like in that moment.
Although both my husband and I are ecstactic to see this year come to a close, we are both coming out of this most difficult year as changed people, and although a lot of our struggles are not over, we are able to view them differently and approach things more confidently. We are able to look back and say to ourselves “look at how far we’ve come-” When all we did at times was hang on. I am grateful for these hard times, even though I wish we never had to go through these situations in the first place, we have grown, and that is the most important thing about trials.
*How has this year been for you? Are you glad or sad to see it come to a close?
December 11th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Thanks for this post Kristin! I’m just entering into what I think is going to be a big learning time…it’s nice to know there’s another side
December 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
absolutely. the past five/six years have been really hard and i always hope that the next year will be better. which means i have spent the last five years happy that they are over. i understand.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Can I just say “Praise the Lord”! Trials draw us close to Him and each other. Though I hate to see you guys go through them, I cherish how it causes growth and change. When you go through them, we do also, not to the extent, but enough to bring us to our knees and ask the Lord for strength for you and for wisdom from Him and that you will come thru the other side and Praise Him…We love you, cannot wait to see you….Mom
December 11th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
No, I’m looking forward to this year ending. I enjoy this year – even the hard times.
Our Heavenly Father is always with me – guiding me through this life of mine.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Kristin – I love this post. Thank you for laying your heart out before us. I pray often for you, Brody, and your sweet boys. Your family has been such a source of encouragement and blessing to me. I just can’t describe all the ways God has used ya’ll in my life – truly. I agree it is so not fun going through the gunk, even with God. But, I also agree with you that He is able to soften our spirits, grow our spiritual depth, and stir our very souls because of it. Not just in spite of it, but really because of it. That lifts me up. Hugs to you each this holiday. And I am praying His perfect will over your precious family in this new year to come!
God bless – Melody
December 13th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Dearest Kristin, I too love this post! I truly really do!!:-) In a gist, life is not and has not been easy but God is SO good and I would not want it any other way!! I am reminded of the song Amazing Grace for you see, the Lord granted me a deliverance that took almost 13 years of prayer! He gets the glory because He never gave up on me even when I wanted to give up and die (seriously). I thank God for using and continuing to use tribulations and trials to draw us closer to Him to the point where we realize our total dependence is on Him alone and we cannot take the next step without Him AND in fact, we are able to stand because of His grace. I am glad He led me to you and Brody–Lord willing, I will get to see you vis-a-vis someday.
Oh, I thank Him SO very much for ledding me to your site for such a time as this. I pray we will continue to trust and obey Him for our God loves you all and is watching over you. May He continue to give you strength, warmth, blessings, love, peace, joy,…, and all that you desire as you delight in Him (Psalm 37:4). Love you all!!
2 Corinthians 4
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
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[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
December 13th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This was a tough year. I am thankful that it is gone as well.
December 15th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
When 2008 began, I had some high hopes. Most of these have become disappointments. I slip into self-pity sometimes, but for the most part, I hold onto the perspective that I am incredibly blessed. I want to slap myself on the hand when I start complaining, because, really, God has provided and guided. And I have so much. He has shown me how much I have to give to others, even during hard times. It’s amazing.
You are 100% right on about being thankful for trials, for this is our loving Father’s way of teaching us – growing us up!
Love ya.