a lovely setting.

here it is, the post that every blogger writes over the december/january season, the 'look back over the past year' post. this type of post usually is full of lovey-dovey fond memories and funny stories. i can assure you that i have a whole stock-pile of them as well but if i'm being honest, those aren't really the first thoughts that pop to mind when thinking about 2011. if you are looking for a reflection that consists of puppies and roses, perhaps this isn't the post for you (but you should keep reading anyways).

2011 was a year of growing pains for myself. I had a few events that took place that shook me up pretty good. in november i was in a bad car accident that has now lead to many hours of physio. frustration and anger had started to grow from the physical pain I was feeling. relationally 2011 held a few disappointments that has left me with a billion questions for God that i am still trying to work through with the understanding that i probably wont ever have the answers i am hoping for.

however, one thing that has been very clear this year is that God has been working through my location. it may sound strange, but I do believe that God really can work miracles even through your place of residence.

this year I have been so blessed to live with two of my best friends (it’s actually three if you include my lovely squatter friend). it has allowed our friendship to grow in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without sharing 4 walls. we are no longer friends, we are a family. the unconditional love that we have for each other is typically only extended to a few people in ones life.

this family and space has allowed me a number of things. the ability to celebrate life’s exciting moments. wild dance parties where there is no need to hold back any inhibitions. surprise birthday treats. tears and pain over a broken heart. room to question God’s plan and to wonder if He really does care for us. moments of humility in sharing our deepest secrets and struggles. a place for community and festive parties. A safe place for mentorship with other amazing and Godly women.

all three of us are very aware that this is a place that we have been blessed with and that this time will not last. new phases of life will come and things will change. for now we will continue to soak up every second and hold on to this phase of life with a high level of respect.

as i write this i continue to receive clarity on the past year. i am reminded that, yes in fact God is in control. He knows our aches, pains, and celebrations before they take place. He places us in settings that will allow us to express those things with the support we need around us.

i am excited for 2012. i’m not one for making big changes in my life just because it’s a new year. for the most part if i feel a change is necessary, i make it, not waiting until i get to hang a new calendar on my wall. but something feels different going into this year. with challenge comes endurance and molding. in 2011 I started out as a ball of mucky clay waiting to be shaped and formed. i know i still have miles to go in being complete but the beautiful piece of pottery has certainly started to take form.