Goodbye 2009

During dinner tonight, my friend asked a group of us to reflect about 2009. I didn't really share at the dinner table because I know 2009 is a tough year for me to share over dinner. My thoughts are all over the place so I decided to post them here.

At the beginning of the year, my company merged and shortly after it went bankrupt. During the bankruptcy filing, part of the new company got bought and so forth. A group of us, that was left, had to move offices, different positions (I was one), new managers, new coworkers, new environment, new systems and protocols to learn, you name it, we through it. It was very very rough for me. But looking back, it was a great learning experience. God has truly thought me patience, how to be humble, and how to love others. Many of my new coworkers are now great friends of mine. Many of us share common interest like stamping, baking, and eating. One of the girls that I was having an extremely difficult time with has become one of my close friends that I trust and adore.

By Spring, my friend, Andy's condition worsen. Just months after attending his wedding, I attended his funeral. I miss him. It still hurts when I think about my Houston visits. But I am reminded time and time again of God's grace of how Andy is no longer suffering. Every time I think of Andy, I just think of love. I think of all the love that God has poured into him, in our surrounding, in Andy's family, in Andy's friends, that we are able to continue our lives and continue to rejoice. Andy's sister just sent me their family Christmas photo and I still keep in touch with Tiff. His family is doing well :)

This year I became more involve in our church's youth ministry. The kids are awesome! Not only do I get to learn new vocabulary, like "legit," the relationships formed is really God's gift. Witnessing these kids growth spiritually (3 of them got baptised), supporting them in their extracurricular events, or simply hanging out is truly a honor. It is not a walk in the park though. There are days where I am just pooped with all the events. But it is 100% worthwhile. The friends I met became family. =)

Family has been good. My sis comes home at least once a month to keep me grounded. During the time of her visits, it is my "rest" time. Those are the days I'm usually in pjs all day and just eat, bake, play rock band, watch movies... family time. And at Christmas, my family bought me a bread machine!!! and Bop-it!!! Both things that I am currently addicted too. I think I just baked my 15th loaf of bread in 6 days...

God thought me a lot this year. I learned to trust Him completely and it is His will to be done, not mine. I have never felt so much peace and love in my life. All the little nuisances simply doesn't annoy me as much. During all the ups and downs, the only thing that was constant was God's love and grace. And from His love, I learn to love others more, to give a little more, be less selfish, and not to consider "I" or "me" first. It is still a work in progress and I still need to find my balance in that... but in all, It is well. The song from Kutless sums it up my 2009 nicely...

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul