reflections

the year is almost at a close and it's been a bumpy year full of peaks and valleys - but it seems like there were more valleys.

The year started off with personal loo, then I lost my job. I remember thinking "what next Lord? surely you have a plan for me." 'for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watched me...'

I quickly found new employment - I wasn't even unemployed for 24 hours. What began as a great new job full of challenge and growth ended up with near lawsuits for work place abuse and harassment against my employer.

The good things that came out of that was Tehmadflip got to stay at home with the kids for a while. I made sick money for doing very little which gave us enough money to buy a truck (which we sold) and a house and move 2000km (or so) across the country for a better life.

I had to leave some family and friends behind, which is always sad. And my kids still cry for them, but time heals all wounds.

I could focus on all the things that I neglected to do, or should have done. I should have spent more time in prayer and less time watching TV. I should have spent less time cleaning and more time reading my bible. I should have spent less time worrying about silly little things and more time chasing my kids.

But a lot of good came from the valleys I walked through, and I look back and am grateful for all of it.

I lost my job, but found a new one.
There was work place abuse and harassment, but the money I made allowed me to buy a house and move (something we had been talking about for years)
I achieved my first degree black belt in Shotokan Karate (a goal I had put on hold for almost a decade)
I got to start my own business and stay home with my kids
Tehmadflip got to also get some time home with the kids.

All in all, it was a great year and I am looking forward with anticipation for what the Lord will bring forth in this new year coming.