God is Working

This has been one of the best years.

I've gotten to see, hug, and spend time with so many amazing people. People I missed seeing last year, people I hadn't gotten to spend a lot of time with in previous years. I look back on the pictures and the things we did this year...and I just smile. It's been so full.

It's also been very hard. I have dealt with a lot personally, as have many people in my life. I have walked through some very hard situations, and walked alongside of family and friends who are dealing with some very heavy stuff. There's been a lot to be sad and hurt about this year.

But in spite of all that, I can still see the good. I see how amazing life has been. I see how much my friends and family have grown through their trials. I see how God has worked in incredible ways in and through those people. I see the good things that are sprouting up from those seeds of sadness and hurt.

I don't think I've understood more than I do this year of what it means when it says in Romans 8:28 that we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. All things. Even the really ugly, incredibly painful and depressing things. Every last one of them.

I look back on my life and I see how God has constantly been working in me, changing me into the person I am today. And I know He has so much more work to do. But it's crazy for me to see how different I was 10 years ago, getting ready to turn 20, compared to where I am now, getting ready to turn 30. I am so grateful for the hard things, the tough lessons, the trials, the tears, and everything else I've ever had to endure...because it has brought me here.

And even though life can be really hard, it really is so beautiful.