Lessons Learned in 2007

Looking back over this past year, it's easy to see that the Lord has been with us, sheltering us from harm and providing for us as needed. Although there have been times of doubt and insecurity, in the end God has been our rock and shield.

I think most would not call our life easy -- we don't either. But there are things we've learned through this difficult year. Things we couldn't and wouldn't have if we had not experienced this past year.

Compassion is high on the list. It's easy to lament your circumstances, but when you know others worse-off and others who struggle as you do, it's hard to sit on the pity pot too long.

Perspective is another thing we've learned. It really isn't only a matter of perspective, because perspective is intertwined and dependent upon your attitude. How you view things, the proverbial glass half-full or half-empty, is directly related to your perspective.

While our outlook isn't always the best (as I mentioned we do have times of doubt and insecurity), for the most part we are genuinely filled with gratitude and gratefulness. Especially our children. I am so proud of their adjustment to our circumstances. For their willingness to persevere and to do it with so much joy and panache! I commend my children for their dutifulness in pitching in with whatever needs to be done, however mundane it may be. I also have great respect for them for knowing well beyond their years the value of "things" and not judging their peers who whine about petty matters.

One of the things we started doing a couple of years ago was to make weekly and monthly goals, not resolutions. At the beginning of each month we have a family meeting and coordinate our calendars. This is necessary since everyone's so busy and we have various and sundry responsibilities, deadlines, schedules, etc. It's also a time to discuss our goals, dreams and plans. Taking things by small chunks instead of wide strides seems to work better for us.

So here's to lessons learned, and hopefully an easier year in 2008.

My prayer is that each of you have a fabulous year too!