Reflections On A Decade Of Grace
As the sun sets on 2019 in preparation for the dawn of a new decade, I am grateful. This year has delivered a colorful palette of progress, growth and accomplishments. Even with the low points, there is plenty to be thankful for and I thank God for giving me the vision to recognize many of my blessings. God has been good is not just a cliché, it is my truth.
In December 2018, I underwent a second surgery to upgrade my heart therapy device. When I initially had the procedure to implant a pacemaker defibrillator, there were supposed to be three leads with each serving a different purpose. The doctor was unable to insert the third lead. She had to make a decision during the surgery when my vein would not let the lead pass through. Rather than put me at risk of a definite cardiac event, she chose the option that would allow me to get off the table safely. This meant the lead would not go in and another treatment option would need to be reconsidered. After meeting with a specialist who felt getting the third lead was the best option, I met with a different doctor who was confident of his chances to insert the third lead.
The upgrade was done successfully in December 2018. In May of 2019, I received the news that I responded positively to the therapy. My ejection fraction improved from a critical low reading to just outside the critical zone.
That means I am still in heart failure, but my heart muscle has gotten stronger and is moving in the right direction. I can tell the difference physically even though I still have moments and symptoms that catch me off guard. I am grateful for progress and improvement of my health. I continue to strive to reach my goals for optimal health, thanking God for milestones of progress along the way.
Academically, I completed the ministry practicum portion of my program, which is an academic year long internship. Now I am working on the classes I have left to complete so I can graduate. I am praying to walk across that stage in June of 2021. I appreciate your prayers for this journey in advance. In terms of ministry, I learn something new each day. Pastoral care responsibilities (which are called congregational care at my church), teach me about life and how to love people through the valley and encourage them with the heart of Christ. I enjoy hearing the testimonies after the storms pass over and the smiles return. Congregational care has a special way of demonstrating God’s grace, with mercy as a present companion. I received my preaching license in March and had the opportunity to connect with people in different levels of ministry. My path has not been traditional by any standard, yet God continues to develop me to live out His purposes for me.
In the family arena, I had two aunts, one uncle and one cousin all make their transition of life this year. Other relatives had health challenges but are still with us. My mom, brother and sister are doing well so there really is no room to complain. My friends are living their best lives and pushing forward with their goals.
Gratitude is important because things could always be worse.
My writing world has been rather bubbly. I joined the Living Over Existing Collective, where I learned how to turn some of my ideas into tangible items for the e-commerce store I am launching in the first quarter of 2020. I also network with other women building a business while building the life of our dreams on purpose. Not only do I get encouragement and learn how to create the products I design in my head, I am held accountable for moving forward and reaching my goals.
As you can see, the Grace in the Crossroads of Life blog is still going with a refreshed look for the new decade to be revealed next month. Some items I create are for personal devotion, others are tools to support ministers such as the ministry tools bundle that is available here. The learning does not stop. I am trusting God to open the doors for the guidance necessary to grow the brand. I continue to journal daily and I enjoy it. I do not publish everything I write because some things should stay between the writer, the page and the Creator. I have found platforms to share literary pieces that do not match the goal of the blog. I also test my creativity with custom gifts. Writing as vocation is an experience that is colorful, challenging and exciting. It never occurred to me that it could turn into a career option.
These are just some of the blessings of this year for which I have extreme gratitude. The decade has been full of ups and downs. The valleys have been plentiful, but the mountain top moments keep the vision from being burdened by the clouds. The death of friends and loved ones, the hardest being my father, remind me to be thankful for each day and live life with purpose. I am grateful for my journey and all the joy and pain that comes with it. Closing the year and decade out with reflection seems like a natural thing to do. At least it makes sense for a writer. I encourage you to reflect on your path and start the new decade with contemplative vision. Thank you for supporting this blog, and all my creative endeavors. January 1st marks a new year, new decade, new opportunity and hope. Live on purpose and enjoy the ride. Don’t forget to give thanks for your blessings along the way.
