2008 is over…thank God for that! Say AMEN somebody!
Seriously my friends…It’s not that 2008 was entirely horrible for me personally…however,I’m not ignorant to the fact that this now-departed year was challenging to not only us folks here in the USA, but pretty much all over the world. Economic crisis, political crisis, health crisis…geez Louise, CRISIS in general. I have friends AND family (Some of you are reading this!) who have felt the aftermath of the storm 2008 was…and are trying to put the pieces together.
On a personal level, again- I can’t say it was terrible. By the grace of God, I still have a job (for now), a home, food to eat, and can pay the bills. However, there were certainly some emotional and family related issues that tried me, and quite frankly drove me to tears one too many times, especially the last few weeks of 2008. I daresay that I’m still putting the pieces together from the storm that shook me up this holiday season. So it goes without saying, I was glad to see this year end.
There were amazing highs, the biggest ones in December…the church Christmas musical, which made such an impact on my life, and in the lives of others. And, my audition for IN THE HEIGHTS…which is an entire story in itself. The biggest blessing from that experience was discovering just how many friends I have, and what an amazing support system I have behind me. It is reassuring, stirring, to know I am so loved and cared about. Still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.
I made new friends (thank you Facebook, Beijing 2008 and Michael Phelps, LOL), reconnected with old ones, and strengthened existing bonds with my flesh and blood. Yeah, I also had my clashes with the flesh and blood, and I seem to have lost some friends along the way…eh, or maybe they were just “for a season” and fulfilled their purpose in my life, to then move on…such is life, I guess.
So where were we? Ah yes….2009. New Year.
You know, not to sound cliche, but I can’t seem to shake the notion this year is going to be far more significant than years past. I’m serious as a heart attack about this…I’ve never really bought into the New Year hoopla…shoot, I roll my eyes at resolutions and all the cheerleader, motivational crapola you tend to hear around this time of year…but this time around it’s different.
Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older, but I seem to have a heightened awareness, like I am standing on the brink of some kind of historic, life defining moment…Most of you know a fire has been lit under me and I am now in pursuit of what I believe has been my purpose from Day One: my love of music and the arts. But…it goes beyond that, somehow. I can’t articulate it, but that feeling is there.
This afternoon, I walked over to this little park by my house, where I would often go to take brisk evening walks and carry on my conversations with God about everything and anything on my mind. It had been some time since I’d done that, and knowing my feelings about this New Year, decided it was time to revisit an old, but so refreshing habit. So I suited up, packed a new journal and pen, and off I went.
I sat down by the pond, and it was there that I talked (and cried, especially) to God about this year that had just passed, asking forgiveness for those things I knew I’d done wrong, asking for opportunity to ask forgiveness to those I’d done wrong to, and of course, asking for guidance, wisdom, strength and determination to hang on to those promises and dreams, and pursue them till they are fulfilled.
After doing that, I began to write in my lovely Beatles Yellow Submarine journal, which I have named “Dream Chaser’s Book of Everything”…
The purpose for this “Book of Everything” is to write down my random thoughts, keep a gratitude journal, as well as write down quotes, song lyrics, words from friends that would be significant to me at a certain moment, that I feel is a divine message of encouragement and reminder to stay the course.
While doing that, I thought of so many people who have blessed me in so many ways, in the past year, and throughout my life. If you’re reading this, trust me…it’s because you are one of them. It’s such a source of comfort, strength, assurance, to know I am surrounded by many people who in thought, word, prayer, and just plain LOVE, have stood with me and have my back, believing in me and seeing in me what I oftentimes fail to see in myself.
I took the time to thank God for each of you, and ask He bless you and grant you the answer to the questions, prayers, and concerns you may have in your own lives…I have nothing really to give you in return for so much you’ve done for me, but I can ask the One who has everything and is everything, to give all these things to you.
Then finally….I found myself entranced watching planes taking off into the clouds (i live real close to the airport)…and I dont know why, but it just seemed like it was a sign for me…like finally, after so many years….my life is taking off. Call me corny…but that’s the honest truth.
CHANGE. The word’s been played out thanks to a fierce presidential race and an historic election. But, it’s a word that resonates in my mind, even now as I type this. It’s coming…Change IS coming, to my life, and I think to many other’s lives as well. I hate sounding so cliche, but it’s so tangible to me I can’t help but say it.
It’s official. The journey has begun…and I promise that no matter where that journey takes me, you will never be far from my thoughts and always in my heart. And, I will be bold enough to say, when those dreams have been fulfilled and I am walking in the fullness of my purpose…I am never going to forget what each of you has been to me, and how you were an instrument in God’s hands to get me there. I’ve said it before: you are priceless treasures that I will never, ever, take for granted. That is my word…my promise.
Happy, Blessed, Prosperous, Successful, Healthy, Peaceful and AMAZING New Year to all of you.
Let the adventure begin. Until the next update, I leave you with a loving hug…
-A
