It's the last day of the year.
12.31.23
It's ending with gratitude.
2023 was not kind. 2023 was not glamorous. 2023 was not particularly fun.
It had it's little moments, but it was mostly filled with chaos, shock, grief, anxiety...
It was also filled with Jesus, hope, grace, forgiveness, faith, trust, great friendships, family and the most painfully rewarding of all: growth; spiritual and otherwise.
I've never lived one day at a time like I have in 2023. I don't see that changing in 2024.
One. Day. At. A. Time. We go into 2024.
At least 2024 has an extra day. 366 days to take One. At. A. Time.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5
This verse has been the verse in 2023. It will be my verse for 2024.
2023 taught me that I can do my best today; and tomorrow is for tomorrow.
2023 taught me that I can do hard things.
2023 taught me that I cannot control others.
2023 taught me that I cannot take life for granted.
2023 taught me that I can because He can.
2023 taught me to love better.
2023 taught me to pray better.
2023 taught me to be grateful
2023 showed me who my friends are.
2023 showed me who my family are.
2023 showed me what it means to have Jesus carry you from one day to another when you have no idea what is ahead.
My prayer for you is that you will be able to face your challenges in 2024 with the confidence that in Jesus, you can take them on, you will grow and learn; you will be stronger and better off for them.
God bless you, your family and your life in 2024!
