2019.

What. A. Year.

During this week between Christmas and New Years, I try (and usually fail) to take a few moments to reflect on the past year. It’s been a beautiful, chaotic year for my family and I, with small moments of rest sprinkled in. 2019 is one for the books.

Speaking of books, I received my new planner for 2020, and in transferring over lists and dates, I looked through the entire year. My planner is my LIFE, so paging through it is a great way for me to remember EVERY SINGLE THING this past year. Now, you obviously don’t need to know what groceries I bought on March 12, 2019, but here are the big moments from this year.

2019 was the year…

I started a new job.

I started a food pantry at my church.

I was thrown the most amazing bridal shower I could have imagined.

I planned a successful 5K for my church.

Our family dog of 1,000 years passed away.

My grandmother passed away.

I got married.

I saw one of my oldest friends get married in Disney.

We had a wonderful, relaxing beach week with the fam-bam.

We brought home our puppy, Mollie.

My piano teacher passed away.

I started this blog.

My sister got married.

I started living intentionally (or trying to, most days).

I learned new things about myself.

I assumed new identities, as a wife, a puppy mom all over again, and an author (?!?! WHAT).

2019 was full of life and love, some sadness and pain, and tons of hope and joy for the coming year. I usually feel some kind of sadness for leaving a year behind, but not this year. 2019 was different. Or maybe I’m different. It was an amazing year, and there’s nothing I would do to change it. I am happily turning the page and ending the incredible chapter that was 2019, and I am looking forward to the new memories and adventures that 2020 has in store for me.

Because of this blog, I had to actually write down everything I did this year so that I could appropriately reflect on it, and it has been lovely to look back on the year. I encourage all of you to either scroll through your photos from 2019, or look through a planner, or even just list the things that happened this year. It’s truly a meaningful practice and I am so grateful for the opportunity to really appreciate all of the blessings we’ve enjoyed this year. We are so, so blessed.

“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

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17