I just finished up another year and I have to say, it may have been one of my best. In honor of me, not in a prideful way at all, I want to share with myself and my friends here at The Littlest Way, the things I have learned in the past year. I did this a year ago as well so it will be interesting to see if any make the list twice. Oh, and these are in no particular order.
1. The world will always try to steal my time with God.
It will try it’s hardest to be noisier and faster and make me always feel like I don’t have enough time to spend in quiet with God.
2. Wanting to exercise and actually exercising are two very different things.
What’s the old saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
3. This season of life looks like this a lot of the time. Just do the next thing…or take a break, it will still be there when I get back.
4. Exercise will never naturally put itself in a place of priority, I have to do that.
And I have to do that not to look good, but to be healthy–mentally and physically.
5. Food can’t be convenience, it has to be intentional.
The easiest to reach for is not always the best for me.
6. Hard can be holy and He has a plan far greater than anything I can imagine.
7. Money flies far and fast if I don’t pay close attention. (My friend Jessi encourages me in intentional finance.)
8. There is good to be found on the internet and The Littlest Way is a community.
9. I need a blog tribe.
Big lesson for this independent introvert. Thanks to Corrine, Raki, Kori, Herchel, Crystal, and Kelli for welcoming me into the friendship. (And thanks for making me believe I could fly to New Orleans by myself for a blog retreat. And thanks for the walk, after dark, to eat beignets. And especially thank you for not losing me or letting me be taken.)
10. If I don’t write down my prayer requests and intentions I’ll forget them.
That why I created my Bible and Prayer Journal and made it available for you too.
11. People will try to put their monkey on my back and it doesn’t make me unchristian to not let it happen.
I learned this year that some people will try to draw me into their confusion, drama, and unhappiness. I ignored it and refused to play their game. It made matters worse…for them, not me. I was able to stay above and out of the turmoil. I sought my husband’s counsel every step of the way and dang if he isn’t wise!
12. Crocs can take me anywhere I want to go.
13. Sometimes you just need to talk a walk…even when you don’t feel like it.
14. Everyone I am around and you are around, has a price.
Weigh it carefully. In the case of discerning a college, it’s spiritual and financial. We chose the best spiritually and are praying without ceasing God takes care of the financial.
You don’t have to share a January birthday with me to share the lessons you’ve learned this past year in the comments.
clarefcj says
Hi Jenny…
Sorry I missed your birthday…
Belated happy birthday!
You are in my heart and prayer.
Erin says
I loved this post, as I love all of them! And happy birthday! But an eleven pound baby???? That’s incredible!!! My biggest was ten pounds. I bet you have some great birth stories God bless!
Jenny says
Thank you! Aren’t all birth stories great! I always told my doctor and the labor and delivery nurses what a cool job they job they had. They were the first hands to touch this new life!
Sue Fichter says
Love them all! Will have to think of some of m6 own now.