Glancing back, looking ahead

2012 is already a memory and 2013 is here. Now. Unbelievable as it may seem. But as I step into the new year, I like to look back and think about the year that was. Much of it was wonderful; some of it was difficult. But that’s just living, isn’t it? No one escapes from problems and struggles in life but hopefully, the happiness and joy experienced along the way far outweighs any negatives. My ONE WORD for 2012 was PERSPECTIVE. And it was a good word for me. I reflected on that word many times throughout the year and learned (tried) to keep everything in perspective. As a little recap of 2012, here are a few things I have been reflecting on:

• We relocated our family for the 14th time in 24 years of marriage. (Four of those moves came within the last six years.)
• Although selling our home and buying one in another state was stressful and not what we had planned to do, it ended up being a good move for our family.
• We are still getting settled and finding our way in this new place.
• I realized that one of the biggest sacrifices we have had to make because of all our moving around so much is that all our close friends and family are scattered all over the world.
• There were times I felt very lonely in the past year.
• There were times I was overwhelmed by the love, kindness and friendship of friends, both new and old.
• We watched and guided as our boys continue to grow into fine young men of integrity and faith. This process has not always been easy — and some times were ‘pull-my-hair-out’ challenging! But growing up is never easy….
• We’re PROUD of these two fine young men.
• I watched my elderly parents (Mom) ‘drift’ away (mentally) and mourned the relationship we used to have.
• I lost a very dear friend to cancer.
• I watched another very dear friend fight cancer bravely and gracefully — and she is winning! Praise God!
• We added to our household by adopting an adorable kitten.
• We laughed often and loved much.
• Sometimes we cried.
• We tried new things.
• We grew in our faith.
• I had the supreme good fortune and thrill to design and remodel the quilting studio of my dreams.
• We all went SCUBA diving in Grand Cayman and became Open Water certified (well, my hubby was already certified.)
• My fourth book was released and my first Craftsy class was a huge success; both of which I am immensely proud!
• I traveled. A lot. I loved teaching classes and meeting so many wonderful quilters.
• I don’t like TSA lines or airports in general. Same goes for car rentals and schlepping luggage.
• I didn’t sew as much as I’d like — but every moment I did sew was a joy!
• Life is simply too short to dwell on the negatives or anything unworthy of my time or attention.

So after much thought and reflection I’ve decided that my ONE WORD for 2013 is:

(drum roll, please….)

DELIGHT!

Webster’s definition is:

 “A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment. Excitement. Happiness. Joy. Rapture.”

I will focus on things that are delightful; things that make my heart sing! I will spend more time quilting and less time doing administrative duties. I will spend more energy creating and designing and less time worrying about perfection or how my ideas or designs measure up to others’ ideals. I will focus my attention to being in the present with my family and close friends and less time trying to please or make other people happy.

As I think about these things and look ahead to the new year with hope, excitement, and delight for what “might be,” I can rest in the knowledge that God is already in my tomorrows.

How delightful!