Wow. I never thought I wold make it through this past year. And yet, while I sit here thinking on this past year and all of the changes and trials it brought, I find myself thanking God for everything He sent me.
But, why?
The past few months, I have read status after status of reasons why 2016 has been the worst year ever. Every person on my Facebook page seems to have some reason why they hated this year and cannot wait for the next one. And, believe me, I can totally relate. This year did not start out good for me. Actually..2015 did not end well. I failed two classes and had to change my future plans. Again. So, I was determined to make 2016 my best year yet.
But it did not start that way. It started with disappointment and failure and a feeling of worthlessness.
And, somewhere in the midst of all of this heartache, I discovered something. I was trying to make it my best year. But I was not allowing God to help.
That was a hard realization to come to. It is so hard for me to hand over control. I like to be independent. I like to figure things out. I like to be in charge. But, I can't. It's not my job. And, once I realized that I really can't control everything, 2016 became so much better.
God gave me a new dream and new goals. And, when I least expected it, he opened doors for me to be able to continue my dream of becoming a nurse.
He sent new, amazing friends into my life and renewed old friendships that have turned into major blessings.
He taught me perseverance and endurance. To never give up. And to let go, and let God.
I went to Nicaragua again. And fell in love with the country. Again.
I ran a marathon.
I worked at a children's Bible camp for the second summer and had an amazing, exhausting, wonderful time.
I retook the 2 classes I thought ended my chances of becoming a nurse. And I passed. With a B in both classes.
But, I did not do these things on my own. I did them with God by my side. It took me awhile. Several months. Many tears. But I did it. HE did it. And, while those accomplishments certainly do not mean 2016 was a year without hardships, it shows the positive things as well. Yes, 2016 was a hard year. Yes, there were times when I hated it and felt hopeless. But, that does not mean that 2016 was the worst year of my life. Nope. If anything, 2016 taught me to be a better person. 2016 made me stronger. And 2016 taught me to never ever give up.
Dear reader, I want to leave you with these wonderful words from Jesus:
Isaiah 43: 1-3 ..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God"...
Whether 2016 was YOUR year, or whether you want to forget it ever happened.. Never forget that God has a plan for you. It may be a wonderful, messy plan. But He created it just for you. And, when we remember that, we can almost always guarantee our best year. Every year.
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
XOXO, Nichole
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