3….2….1….HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
There’s something about the new year that feels optimistic. Anything is possible. Everything is reset. It’s a fresh start.
There’s also something incredibly stressful about it. You may be face-to-face with deadlines that you still aren’t ready to think about. Bills increase. Insurance rolls over. Life continues to move forward at a speed that feels unsustainable.
That’s where I’m finding myself in 2022. My husband Joey has had a chronic illness for the past 6 years, and we’re facing more uncertainty than ever this year, including the process of finding out if he’s a candidate for a multi-organ transplant.
As I sat down to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next, my first instinct was to list out every single problem we’re facing and everything we’ve lost over the past few years. In fact, I did start writing out a long, sad list.
But then a little voice in my head reminded me that there is still so much to be grateful for.
In all honesty, I initially rolled my eyes at the thought. I’m not one to fake optimism or pretend everything is ok when it very much is not. And I want nothing more than to open myself up to be a safe space for others who are worn out by the world telling them to “just cheer up.”
But, for once, I listened to that little voice. And started listing out a few things that I’m grateful for, in spite of my sadness.
I’m thankful for a community of people who hold me up when I can’t do it myself.
I’m thankful for a job I love that has given me so much grace over the past several years.
I’m thankful for a God who comforts us when we feel broken.
I’m thankful for cheese….
That exercise didn’t take away my pain. But it did tone down my anxiety in the moment. It did help me keep going, even if it was just for January 1st.
And in my experience, that might be what I’m most grateful for–that God continues to give me just what I need to make it through today.
Whatever you’re facing in 2022, just know that you’re not alone.
And if there’s any way we can pray for you, please let us know.
