So, I’ve
been fairly neglectful of this blog as of late. And I don’t even know that I
have a really good reason for it. I’ve still been writing. Working on my travel
blog a little more. Trying to get back into working on the novels/ideas for
novels I’ve got in the works. And, I’ve even written some posts that belong
here, in this space. But for some reason, they just didn’t make it this far.
Some of them may find their way here eventually. Others my forever be confined
to pen on paper. Either way, now you’re going to get bombarded with a series of
posts (because it’s the end of the year/start of a new year).
I want
to start with a few things that I learned this year (broken into two separate
posts). It also happens to be a brief synopsis of some of the “blog posts” that
were written, but never found their way here:
1.
One of the things I’ve learned that I feel has
been most prominent in my life as of late, is how much people can surprise you.
I’ve found myself surprised by a number of people in my life (some good, some
bad, some still to be determined). I’ve learned hard lessons through people who
I THOUGHT had my best interests at heart. People I thought I could trust, but
shouldn’t have. People who fed me lines to pacify me, but whose actions showed
true colors. But then, almost as a peace offering, I’ve learned that some
people, who I have known for years, but just never taken the time to pursue a
friendship with, are actually pretty cool people. People who genuinely care.
Who want to help. And who have seemingly come out of the woodwork – for such a
time as this – to provide support, and renew hope. People can ALWAYS surprise
you. Sometimes for the good. Sometimes for the bad. But either way, there are
lessons to be learned.
2.
God gives you the relationship and friendships
you need, when you need them most. Truthfully this is something I’ve known for
a long time. But this is a year in which I’ve witnessed it frequently and been
reminded of it multiple times. My heart has been overwhelmed with the quality
of friends that God has provided me with and the new relationships that have
transpired, both through those friends, and through completely spontaneous
interactions. This past year was not an easy one for me – especially the last
six months of it – but in a lot of ways, I’ve never felt fuller. And I’m
certain it has everything to do with the friends I have that help hold me
together.
3.
The hurt and suffering we experience is not for
nothing. This is also something that I’ve known for a long time. But I don’t
know that I’ve ever hit a point in my life where I’ve gone “THAT’S why.” Where
I’ve been able to look back and see all of the pieces line up that brought me
where I needed to be, when I needed to be there, with the knowledge and words I
needed when I got there. It makes the pain, and perseverance worthwhile. But
I’ve also learned that you have to be willing to share your story with others.
Because having all of the experience, knowledge, and wisdom in the world does
you no good, unless you’re willing to share it with those who are seeking what
you’re able to offer them.
4.
Rarely do things turn out how you expect them
do. Sometimes they’re better. Sometimes they’re worse. Sometimes you have
absolutely no idea whether they’re better or worse – they’re just different.
And acceptance of those differences can be hard (or easy, depending on which
way it goes) to come to grips with. And sometimes it takes a while for it to
happen. And that’s okay. Things don’t have to be resolved overnight. It’s okay
if they take time.
Never assume you know people. Never
underestimate God’s ability to give you the people you need, when you need them.
Make sure that your pain has a purpose – SHARE YOUR STORY.
