What a year!
2022 consisted of many mountaintop, valley, and desert experiences. I began the year feeling content and ecstatic about so many new visions. Some of them may have been a little over the top, but others were certainly manageable. I was experiencing immense joy and felt on top of the mountain.
I won’t lie and say that every smile was authentic and every yes was pure. Social media shows the highlights and I can’t say every photo or post accurately depicted where I was in that current moment – especially because my dream team plans months in advance.
Somewhere in the middle of the year, I was hit with unendurable pain, falling into a valley. I will be honest in saying that I was shaken. I questioned God a time or two, and I’ve had to use every imaginable strength I possess to keep standing.
However, countless unique opportunities presented themselves, and now I’m keeping my head above water with a ridiculous amount of hope!
Life is a rollercoaster ride.
You either get on the ride with great anticipation of fun or nervousness about what could possibly go wrong. But once you buckle your seatbelt there’s no certainty of what your overall experience will be. Regardless of what you’re experiencing on the ride, you’re not in control of operations, so you can’t just jump off if you become uncomfortable. You have to allow the rollercoaster to run its course.
The same is true in life. Nothing is certain, so all you can do is buckle up and make it through whatever comes your way. You must endure the good and the bad, all while putting your faith in God and trusting that He has a plan.
So as I reflect on 2022, I beam, I weep, and I rejoice. I remember that although many of my circumstances and people changed, God never did! Even when I felt shaken, he reminded me why unshakable is in my DNA. The one thing I will forever cling to is Him. As I wait on Him I will praise Him because I’ve seen His goodness and His faithfulness!
I urge you to reflect on your 2022. Don’t minimize or maximize what the year was filled with. Write down everything you can recall about your mountain, valley, and desert experiences. The hardships make the good moments even sweeter. Everything you’ve gone through has helped you to grow. I assure you that not an ounce of it will be wasted!
Looking ahead to 2023.
I’m not sure what’s ahead in 2023. But I’m self-assured I will continue to pursue He who makes all things new and unconditionally loves me beyond measure. I will continue to give my people my best, but only after I’ve poured my cup first – affirming myself like never before. Finally, I will no longer dim my light for others to shine. There’s enough darkness in the room for us to all authentically shine!
