Ring it in!

Saying good-bye, saying hello.  Almost in the same breath.  Out with one year and in with another.
I feel deeply grateful for the past year:
For every tear that got wiped away, for every wound that was mended, for every encouraging word spoken, every silly joke, for every time I grabbed the hand of my one true love, for every time I buried my face in my children's soft hair, for every phone call that made me laugh, every obstacle that made me try harder, every quiet moment to ponder and prayer that made me believe, I am thankful.

Recap of the year: I fell in love with my husband 365 times. I repented for losing my cool with my children 365 times. I got to vacation in Branson, Omaha, and St. Louis. We remodeled our main floor and survived. I finished a book and people can buy it and read it. (Cool, isn't it?) I felt the hand of the Lord in every single day. And actually, after that last one, I realize everything else is details. Wonderful, difficult, frustrating, beautiful details. My cup runneth over.

Happy New Year!