so a new year has begun. a new semester is under way. it's been a while since i've blogged so i figure in my mini procrastinating, why not take some time to reflect on the previous year, and hope for the new one.
so many things are different from when i did this exactly a year ago and set for myself the desire to be a blessing to others... so many things are different from when i reflected upon 2005. i can't believe that 2007 is already well underway, and though it's just the beginning, a mere 7 days into it, there's already so much going on this year.
brief reflection on 2006 with the many joys and sorrows that occurred ...
- hard lessons learned, difficult circumstances, but joy found in the morning, with new friendships and deeper relationships built
- making it out of the 2nd half of third year alive
- being able to deepen the friendships with my design kiddies
- playing CCSA softball senior division and making it out without any major injuries (i.e. no balls to the face or anything like that... altho the face plant during warm-up is probably one for the records)
- new friendships through the Lions
- interning for 3 weeks and getting a taste of the design industry
- summer schooling a design course with an awesome prof
- picking up with old friends and continuing to build memories
- finding and solidifying a network of sisters in Christ whom I can rely on day in and day out (mind you, it wasn't one that came easily as people are fickle and can walk and in and out of your life without saying a word)
- new memories, new experiences, a plethora of surprises (i.e. 21st birthday dinner with my bestest of friends, FINALLY getting to go to the zoo after living in toronto for over 15 years. :P )
- finding God in the small things; finding joy in the troubled times; falling in love with Him
and finally...
- being blessed so abundantly with the people in my life, the encounters that i've had, and the circumstances i've experienced.
and now with 2007 upon us, there's already so many things in store:
- a brother's wedding (finally!)
- an external assessment (with design professionals critiquing your portfolio :/ )
- a grad show (that i actually get marked on!!!)
- a graduation
- a new career
- a new chapter, a new season, a new part of life full of potentials
... and that's just the short list of things to be expected from 2007. needless to say, through everything, from the reflections of the past to the anticipations of the new year, one of the things that i truly strive for this year, is to be changed:
to be changed by encountering God daily in the wildernesses of life. to be changed through the circumstances that God places me in, knowing He has a plan and a purpose. to be changed by the people around me as they teach me and influence me, helping me to grow as a person and grow in my faith. to be changed to reflect more of Him.
that being said, as was confirmed through the message today on repentance... being changed is only one part of it all. aside from striving to be changed, i long to see change:
to see my relationships with others grow and flourish despite the busyness of life. to see my brothers and sisters in Christ deepen their relationship with God and allow God to continue working in their lives, molding them to be more like Him. to see how i can bless others and how God can use me to impact them... how i can be a tool and a vessel that will influence change in others. to see others be blessed and bless others in return.
so many things to look forward to, so many things to anticipate. my feelings about it all? i'm excited. i'm scared. i'm hopeful. i'm anxious. i'm uncertain. but i'm ready knowing that God's writing the story and knowing that He's been faithful in the past and He will continue to be in control of everything that happens.