What Do You See Looking Back?

As I prepared a post for the end of 2020, I was challenged on what to write. What does one say looking back? Pondering that thought, I took a moment to see what my very first blog post was. It was dated December 2010.  I’ve shared it below. That was when I established a website …  rolled up my sleeves …  and shared what I thought was my wisdom with the world. It’s hard to believe that was ten years ago. Before I self-published my first book. Before I was given ten days to live and had to have brain surgery. And before I began speaking regularly to women’s groups. While life has changed over the years, I’m happy to see some things haven’t changed budged.

• I am still focused on publishing a book–but this time it will be my fifth, not my first.
• While my speaking ministry has grown, COVID19 took me in a totally new direction through podcasts and interviews.
• And God is still on his throne.

What I saw … Ten Years Ago 

As 2010 comes to a close, I’ve noticed lots of Top Ten lists to commemorate 2010: Top Ten Words … Phrases, … Most Important People. The list goes on.

But where is your focus for 2010? Are you concerned with the dark places that showed up? I’ve had dark places in my life over the past year, but I choose to dwell on what’s been good.  Let me list some of the good experiences that I choose to think about:

• A book I’ve spent over five years writing has been turned down repeatedly for publication more in 2010 than ever
• I questioned my ability to be in the ministry Christ has led me in
• There was a family crisis regarding my children
• Situations with extended family members resurfaced
• I’ve experienced health issues that have changed how I participate in life
• Finances, at times, seemed in short supply

You may think I gave you the wrong list. But be assured I did not.  Because of each one of the above-mentioned situations, I realized I was nothing without Christ. I realized my life during 2010 was not about my comfort … it was about obedience to my Heavenly Father.  During each disappointment and heartache, I have had to learn to trust in the plans that Christ has for me, not what my plans were for Christ.

Was it easy? No, but it wasn’t as difficult as you might think. Once I got beyond the initial disappointment of my not meeting my agenda, I knew I would find solace and peace with God:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Are you feeling pain today due to life’s situations not meeting up with your plans? Has the year 2010 been a disappointment to you? Remember that “…He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

Is disappointed about where your life is knocking on your door? Take those honest feelings to your Heavenly Father. He loves you more than you will ever know this side of Glory.  Think about how 2010 has given you so many opportunities to praise God. Give it a try.

Now it’s Your Turn

What do you see looking back? Were you doing ten years ago what you’re doing now? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.