Colossians 3:10, English Standard Version

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

I am grateful for this past year in many ways. I am grateful for the ways I have grown closer to God and experienced Him in different ways. For being able to have part in the work that God is doing here. For the ways my worldview has continued to widen by getting to be part of a bigger global church and the opportunity to see things from different perspectives. For the opportunity to serve others in a time of vulnerability. For the friendships formed and the people I met that inspired me in my relationship with God. But mostly for the ways that I have seen God’s faithfulness in my life. There have been parts that I really struggled with in being here. Things have been different from what I expected, but I have also seen God work in my life through these areas.

God has shaped my view on personal growth in the past season. Where I wanted to work hard and accomplish things and push through hard things, He showed me to lean and rest on Him– to trust HIM. To be at peace with just being in relationship with Him. To trust Him to grow me in the areas He decides–when He decides. That growth sometimes comes in ways that we don’t expect it. He showed me that I am like a young plant, and He is the gardener tenderly caring for me. Tweaking the weather conditions around me until they are just what I need. The sun shining, and warm winds softly blowing …  And its in His patient kindness and tenderness that  I rest.

May everyone have a blessed week, and live in the peace that surpasses understanding through the joy of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ.