It's a Wonderful Life!

Too cliche?  quite possibly, but I find myself in a mood - especially at this time of year.  I've been planning this post for a few days, but it finally gelled tonight.

As we approach New Years, I see many of my friends talking about resolutions.  Aspects in their lives they don't like, that they are going to change - with the illusion that THEN they will be happy.  I had someone tell me that it is a time to "reset" everything - make life a do over and that the bad events from the last year no longer count.  It's like starting a new semester over -everyone has straight A's on the first day of school.

But I think I want to have a different approach to the New Year.  This has been a bit of a rough year for us, but even with that, I don't think I would change a thing.  Even during the rougher times, we have seen amazing blessings.  That is what I think we should use the New Year for, a time to review all the past year, and look at the blessings in our lives and how we have grown from those trials.  And then look to the New Year considering what we learned, how we will use it, and be open to the trials and blessings coming.

The sad part, is I suspect that most everyone else knows this already - and I'm running a bit behind.  I guess all I can say to that is I will catch up eventually!

So what has been great about this year?
Joseph found a job - one that supports us without requiring me to work outside the home. 
Stu is taller than both of us - he is healthy, happy and eating me out of house and home!
I've been able to go back to school - with the aid of scholarships to pursue a goal I set when I was 12
I've got a brother out serving in the mission field- who is growing up, in a way that makes me proud to be his sister
One Brother in Law was married in the Temple to the perfect woman for him
Another graduated from college
I've got a brand new nephew - who I adore already, along with my two favorite little hoodlums.
Stuart is making great advancements towards his Eagle - he is a Star Rank now, and pushing on towards Life.
Joseph and I celebrated 7 yrs of marriage - and being married to him is one of the best blessings I've ever been given.

Even with the struggles, the people we've lost, the stresses and the fears, how could I ever say this was a bad year?  I'm still nervous about next year - but looking forward to it as well.  I may not like everything that comes - but I know I'll be able to deal with it, and be better for it.