Dear 2013,
No matter how many times I’ve wished I was through with you, I really am going to miss you. You taught me so many things in the past 365 days.
I learned that my most gorgeous smiles could shine through my most painful situations. You taught me the beauty in being human. Most of us want our lives to look like the picture that comes in a new frame when you buy it. Unfortunately, our dysfunction makes catching that “picture perfect shot” impossible. You taught me that sometimes it’s not about the perfect image; it’s just about being real.
I searched for real love in 2013. Better yet, I found real love in 2013. I found the One person who’s promises are what I base my life on. I clung to God with every teardrop and thanked Him with every smile. I exhaled the bitterness I’d been breathing and inhaled the sweet faith I so desperately needed. I rebuilt my “friend list” and found that I wasn’t alone in this Christian walk. When I surrounded myself with people that inspired me to be better it made a difference. We all have secrets, we’ve all had shameful experiences…but we have to remember we’re not alone.
I’ve been given the grace to show the world, through the World Race, that the broken are enough. We can take our power back from our mistakes. We can turn to Jesus to wipe our shameful slate clean. Most days this life feels like a dream. To think that the more I trust God to bring out all that’s in me, the happier I will be. It’s not always easy because it risks being vulnerable, but I can feel where His perfect love has touched my weakness. I may have been stretched. I may have been uncomfortable. But if I continue to do what’s right and trust God, I won’t have to worry about wasted tears anymore. I’m confident that God will work things out for my good. I know He sees where I’ve been broken. I trust Him, even when it hurts.
2013, you have been a gift. I feel closer to God than I’ve ever felt. I still have days when I’m confused and question myself. I’m definitely not saying that there aren’t days when I wonder if I’m getting it right. Thankfully, His grace reminds me that He’s always with me, but more importantly…I’m no longer running from Him.
2014 is a new year with promises of adventure, new friendships, and witnessing the Spirit move all over the world. It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to 2013, mostly because I’ll be saying goodbye to so many people that mean the world to me, but also because I’ve learned so much through the challenges that I’ve been faced with.
It’s been tough at times…but thank you 2013 for the lessons you have taught me about life, love, God, and myself.
XOXO,
Jorden
