Winter helps you solidify things. Plants and flowers get that last boost of harshness before flourishing. I felt the same way this winter. I learned to slowly accept the true nature of friendships around me. I learned that no matter how people define and practice friendship, I can be myself. It is harsh to accept that not everyone is for me. Blossoming happens when I am able to accept other people as they are, with joy. No, they don't have to accept me. We don't have to be my 'friends.' We can coexist. As far as I'm concerned I will always be friendly and encouraging. That's a solid resolution: I will be myself, no matter how I'm treated.
Christmas was sweet. The kids were joyful as they opened their gifts. I wrote a letter to each one. I've been doing that for a few years. We enjoyed our traditional Brazilian food for lunch. We had leftovers for dinner. We are always amazed at how quickly Christmas comes and goes. I baked homemade cinnamon rolls this winter. We all loved it so much. I even made homemade icing. Yes, I counted my points.
This winter, I turned 42. I started the day with a visit to the gym. I didn't tell anyone there it was my birthday. Celebrating out loud since I turned 40 didn't feel right. When I came home, Zeke and the kids had gifts and cards ready for me. Family always feels right. It was extremely sweet! We took a trip to Dallas. We all enjoyed a little time away visiting a few stores, eating out, and just being together. My family knows me and loves me for who I am. On our way home, we stopped by a bakery and I picked a few different cakes everyone would enjoy. I thank God for another year of life. God is great and I thank Him for life and family.
The New Year was hopeful. I love the promise of God bringing newness to life. We were too tired to stay up doing whatever so we just went to sleep. We woke in in a whole new year. Thank God!
The kids are blooming and flourishing in their gifts and callings. Everyone is playing instruments and developing as public speakers. We are so pleased to see how they are growing.
I did 40 days of No Complaints in January. I always learn a lot from each time I engage in times of no complaints. This time, I learned that God has so much more to give compared to the number of things I could complain about.
I baked quite a bit this Winter. I got into sourdough but I was a "one and done." The bread was delicious. So were the scones. Yum!
No snowstorm for us this winter. I did run a few times in 20-degree weather.
This winter, we learned we are moving. Our East Texas time was more like an intensive seminar. We got here 6 months before COVID hit. I was abroad but came back. We are so thankful to God for this opportunity. We learned a lot. We grew a lot. We are forever grateful to God. I'm glad it is now time to move to our new home.
More:
Post a Comment