But I have been surprised. As I have pondered my experiences from the last year, my heart has swollen lots with love, some with pain, and thankfully little with regret. I was trying to think of one word that I could use to sum up my year of experiences, and the only one I could think of was blessed. Then I thought to myself No, there was so much more to it than that word can describe. So I, being the nerd that I am, started looking up synonyms to the word "blessed." I was surprised at the words that came up.
Sanctified.
Consecrated.
Favored.
Hallowed.
Fortunate.
I don't know what I thought "blessed" meant before. I felt I was blessed when I realized all of the rich blessings that I have been given when I didn't really deserve them. So "favored" and "fortunate" made sense. And I was blessed in that way. But when I really thought about those other words - sanctified, consecrated, hallowed, and several others - I realize that I have been blessed this year in ways I never really considered. Maybe you have too.
To me, it gives new meaning to the words of Elizabeth when she told Mary, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."
I think Heaven sees things a little differently than we do. I won't go into all the details of my thoughts because I hope that you will go on an adventure with your own, and savor the sweetness that experience can bring.
But I have realized that all of those obligatory updates of a New Year post really are summed up in that one word. My reflection of the year, the loved ones, my desires of things I hope to accomplish in the new year…blessed.
With that being said, I couldn't end this post without saying, once again, how beyond grateful I am for the friends I have made in my ward and home evening groups this year. Each individual has had a significant influence on me in their own unique ways, and no words can describe the love and gratitude I have for them. A year ago I could not have anticipated how richly each would bless my life in the coming year. It hardly seems real to me that there was I time I never knew these people, and I am thankful every day that they and my Father in Heaven allowed me to walk with them for a portion of their life journey. They are some of the best people I have ever known.
Happy New Year, my best wishes to you all :).
