Many parts of 2014, for me, can be summed up in a single
word: “Ugh”. It’s been a rough year. A year when I quit my job, opened up my
own company, landed a book contract, have a book going on sale, began putting
the broken pieces of my family back together, inherited a new family, finding
family I never knew I had and losing some tremendous people in my life. It’s
been a rollercoaster, to say the least. But, as I sit here, on Christmas Eve of
2014, a little before 1 o’clock in the afternoon, I have a message that hit me
as I was saying a prayer this morning that might just hit you the same way.
Remember, reflect, rejoice.
Remember.
As I sit here today, I do so in remembrance of all the
people I knew who were called home this year.
My friend’s son, who at the tender age of 27 was lost to us
in a tragic car accident. I remember not knowing what to do for my friend (who
I love dearly), but doing everything I could anyway. I remember going to the
funeral, and as she walked toward the back of the chapel – where I was sitting –
I remember her grabbing my hand. I remember looking in her eyes. And I will
never forget her strength, her resolve and her beautiful heart….for as long as
I am living.
I remember Jonathan, San Antonio’s beloved Aquaman, and one
of my dearest, closest friends. I remember building a Twinkie Jenga tower at
his last birthday party….which was his last party ever – something none of us
knew at the time. I remember how excited he was when our Twinkie Jenga tower
was retweeted by Hostess. I remember all of our “I love you more” arguments. A
heart like that will never be forgotten, even though he was called home before
his time.
I remember Shanna, Mike and Vini….some of my mentors and colleagues
in real estate….who also got called home too soon this year.
So today? Remember those who have been called home, and
remember that while they are no longer with us, hearts and love like that still
wrap us up in love….all year round, as they watch over us from above.
Reflect.
As I reflect on 2014, I can say I learned a lot. I learned
how to deal with loss, I learned how to deal with tragedy, I learned (probably
most importantly) that I am human. That I often push myself too hard and that
sometimes going slow isn’t a bad thing. I learned how deeply I can love
someone. I learned that I have family I never knew. I learned that I even
inherited a new family, through Jon….and I learned that I am blessed, for this,
beyond measure.
Reflection is important, as it gives us insight into
reflecting on the good of said year, alongside the bad. And even though 2014
was not my favorite year, it was a year I learned how to build up even more
internal strength in my struggles, and tap into a strength me that not even I knew I had.
Rejoice.
Despite the fact that 2014 was shrouded in loss, I rejoice in
the fact that I am still here. It means that the big guy upstairs isn’t done
with me yet, and that I’m still supposed to do some things in this life. What
those things are? Only time will reveal. However, the fact that we are all
still here, still standing, means our work is far from over.
I rejoice in my family, my beloved friends (who are like my
family), my readers, my encouragers and even my critics. I am thankful for it
all, because without these things, this tapestry of our lives wouldn’t be woven
together in such a beautifully, messy precision.
If you take anything from this, take that last message most
intently. Rejoice. Try and take each day (no matter how many times you get
knocked down) with a thankful heart. Because I’ve never known love to screw up
anything in this world. So, this holiday season, and always: remember, reflect,
rejoice.
From my family to yours, with love,
Miss Adventures
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