Well, 2016, you’ve been fun and fast. And before you’re completely done, let me reflect on what I’ve learned in December. I trust 2017 will be full of adventure and new things to learn too.
1. I’ve watched {almost} every season of Survivor and the one that ended a couple weeks ago has been one of my favorites. It started out as Millennials versus Gen Xers, included so many blindside votes and immunity idols, and ended with the strongest players remaining.
2. Mouths bleed a lot and teeth can tighten up after they’re knocked loose. (Okay, so I knew mouths bled a lot, but I didn’t know anything about teeth being able to re-tighten!) Rachel face planted into the corner of a piece of furniture and taught me these things. You’d have thought she was my first child for as traumatized as I was!
3. Lots of Kindle deals in December make for a stocked reader coming into the new year. I stocked up on fiction, which I read more of this past year than I haven recent years. Here’s a list of what all I’ve read in 2016.
And in terms of full disclosure, I’ve quit about four books lately because I just couldn’t get into them. Who has time for bad books? (That’s one of the tips on how I manage to read while mothering small children.)
4. Even good, God-inspired changes involve various emotions.
We told our small group this month we were starting a new group focused on local service. Greg and I both believe this is what we are supposed to do with our family and feel called to invite others along.
The small group we’ve been in these past several years have taught us and loved us deeply. It’s a group made up of people and couples in different seasons. That diversity has been good for us. They rejoiced and prayed as we awaited Rachel. They encourage us as we parent little ones.
But we believe our time there has helped prepare us for what’s next. Our small groups are meant to living and active, and sometimes that means branching out, but even the best changes come with some bittersweet moments.
5. I can get to Mississippi quicker than I can get to some parts of my home state of Kentucky. Greg and I took a fan bus to watch Murray State play at Ole Miss and we got to Oxford in less than four hours.
6. Pampered Chef has a great microwave popcorn bowl and adding seasonings (like ranch and jalapeño cheddar) is tasty. This was what my sister-in-law Christine gave Greg and me for Christmas and I’m a fan, obviously. I’m not the only one around here who likes popcorn, thankfully.
7. Simplifying Christmas and letting go of traditions is good for my soul. I’ve really loved this December more than others because it’s been less stressful, thanks to simpler gifts that were almost entirely ordered online, the freedom to lay down and pick up traditions and activities as they work in our lives, and a whole week of nearly no plans to start Christmas break!
How’s your December been, friends?
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Kristin, you are so right – 2016 went by in a flash! I have to say … this December was much simpler for me as well. And if I am totally honest … probably one of the most meaningful I have had. May God use you mightily as you enter 2017, following His lead, and making changes as He directs. Blessings!
The simplicity helped mine be more meaningful too. I’m glad it worked out that way for you too! I’m so glad you’re going to be part of the God-sized Dream team in the new year too!
Heavens, yes, where did 2016 go? I’m excited for 2017, and I really enjoyed your re-cap of all the fun from 2016. Thanks for your faithfulness here and for your writing voice here, there, and everywhere.
Thanks for your faithfulness here too, Michele! I’m excited you’re joining the God-sized Dream team for the new year too!
I LOVE your header image! It was a quick year, wasn’t it! I LOVE that you observed even good, God-inspired changes still evoke various emotions of all kinds. Here’s to God’s gracious leading through all of our lives during 2017.
Thanks, Leah! Gosh, it was a quick year, but a good one in my little world. Yes, I’m glad God is going with us into 2017.