As I ran in the cold, clammy rain this morning with my wool Thai ski hat, bright yellow Newport sweatshirt, and ruddy face, I realized that Christmas was finally melting away. The dusting of snow that had been christening the Louisville grass was washed up and all the extra lights that lined my run were put away with the inflatable decorations and illuminated manger scenes. Its always a sad day to box away the joy and memories of each decoration and see the naked trees line the yards only to be picked up by their cadaver wagon the next day. Yet I found myself at the same time rejoicing in the past year and looking with high excitement and anticipation of the New Year!
This year brought a good-bye to Thailand and hello to married life. There were the farewells to old friends and the hugs of new friends. I had the joy of gaining an entire new family as well as catching up with my family! There were days of sadness and confusion that were forgotten by the days of bliss and laughter. I remember unpacking all my stuff and redesigning Betsy’s house by removing couches and hanging red lights, pulling up dusty carpets and organizing 50 year old closets! There were skittles, ice cream wars, and realizations of my stupidity and remembering that its not just me anymore. There were dinners with Betsy, trips to see friends, reunions, days of solid reading, Barrett’s active duty times, Dutch ovens, ice skating, swing dancing, New Year kiss on the road, papers, finals and late night ambulance calls. Every event sparks smiles, groans or a shake of my head.
The one constant theme of the year was God’s faithfulness to us. Man, to think of all the changes and events that happened and how difficult or messy things could have been, our Comforter and Provider showed us His faithfulness afresh each morning. Despite my complaints, times of insanity, and shear exhaustion He gave us grace and mercy through His word, through encouragement from friends and family, and by reminding us that we deserve none of it. Barrett and I look to the upcoming year with hopeful expectation in knowing that our Savior will provide and take care of us no matter what circumstances it will bring. What a joy to know that we are not alone in our journey, that we have the Creator of our journey leading the way. Our prayer this year like every year, is that our friends and loved ones will have that same hope. So as we took down our “First Married Christmas” ornament along with the bride and groom bears, we smiled and packed them away carefully with our memories of this year in anticipation of what memories will emerge with their next unveiling. Happy New Year!!