“Diamonds will be made but it’s going to take some pressure and perseverance to shine in the way we want.”
I think that about sums up 2018.
I started the year in a dark place. Broken-hearted after loosing a relationship that had been my world. Devastated after not one but TWO offers on houses that fell through. Frustrated with my body ... it’s size and its strength.
But somewhere along the way ... during the course of this year, I bought a house. A perfect little home, in the most perfect location, near my family.
I pushed myself to run not one half marathon, but TWO! I conquered every damn mile. I also ran and conquered two 10- milers, a 15K, a 10K, a 5- miler and numerous 5Ks.
I lost over 10 lbs. I fell in love with my body, her strength and inner beauty.
I celebrated my 30th birthday with friends in the most beautiful locations in the Shenandoah. I bought a puppy. A rambunctious little dog, named Tucker, who continues to humble and confuse me.
I lost a lot of “friends.” Some I thought would be in my life forever. Maybe even standing by my side in my wedding. Others I had spent a few years spending time around, but now no longer felt we were walking in the same direction.
I struggled with jealousy. And my ego. And my confidence. And finding contentment. I wrestled behind closed doors with these unruly emotions. Fighting to gain clarity. Fighting to find balance.
I celebrated the nuptials of my cousin, Nicole. We partied in OC. We showered her with love. We spent the entire year preparing for her special day.
I learned how to deal with changes in the workplace. Both desired and undesired. Planned for and unplanned.
I made new friends. I strengthened other friendships.
I paid off my credit card debt and began learning how to steward my money as a homeowner.
But most importantly of all - - I found Christ, again. He became my rock. The center of my world. Worship music became my theme song. The Bible became the breath upon my lips. And in Christ I grew. Sharpening my faith. Strengthening my relationship with HIM.
If there was ANY diamond moment of 2018... it was walking into the arms of Christ... and trusting that he will NEVER let me go.
God has been SO good to me this year. It’s been a miracle year. Many nights I cried myself to sleep... not understanding this new road I was walking down. Saddened that the door to the road that had been so familiar was closed. But now I see why that door closed. And I praise God everyday for it.
This year pressured me to grow. To change. To develop into the DIAMOND God has called me to be. I persevered through the tests and trials, hallelujah! And I cannot wait to continuing shining my light in 2019!
