Yesterday was Reflection Sunday at our church and we sat in groups of 8-12 people looking back on the year; opening up about what we've learned and how we'd like to grow in the next year. Pastor Kevin encouraged us to celebrate the year, but also to examine it. Shane and I went on a dinner/movie date Sunday night and while we ate a delicious meal overlooking the Spokane Falls we made a Top 10 of 2013 list. It was meaningful, painful and graceful. And since this is my first year of being on Instagram, here is our list with some of my Instagrams (and a couple not mine) to help tell the story.
What would be on your top 10 list for the last year? What do you hope will end up on your 2014 list?
- Bought a minivan and I couldn't be happier with it! First year as a family of five, yo.
- Took a road trip to Redding, CA to visit Shane's grandmother and stopped in Bend, OR to visit his brother, Moshe. The scenery was incredible, the memories unique, and it felt like a real vacation!
- My sister, Ali, as well as my parents flew up for a visit on separate occasions! Big blessings!
- Found out my sister, Olivia, and her husband are having their first baby! So excited for baby Ezra to make his entrance this month!
From Marcuss' Instagram. Photo Credit: Josh Adkins - Shane and I officially have all of our student loans paid off and are DEBT FREE.
- Oliver started kindergarten this year and goes to a homeschool co-op 2-days a week.
- Shane ran his first half-marathon.
Not an Instagram shot. :) Photo Credit: Outdoor Monthly - We had a near-tragedy that shifted our priorities and deepened our gratitude. It's a story we are not yet ready to spread beyond family and a few close friends, but it was the defining moment of 2013 for us.
- Shane applied for a job that he did not end up getting, but in the process we nailed down some very important vocational and family goals. This was huge for us and we're thankful for that late night of hard questions and honest, hopeful discoveries. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
- We connected with new people in our church and Oliver's school, hosting more people in our home this year than any year before. Hospitality was one of our goals for 2013, and even the times we didn't ask for it we accepted it. God is gracious to grow us when we are willing.
What would be on your top 10 list for the last year? What do you hope will end up on your 2014 list?
