Transition...

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccles. 3:1

On this beautiful New Year’s Eve, I am surrounded by the resolutions, hopes, to-do lists, and wishes of those around me. I was inspired by a dear friend’s blog who has made it her habit to choose a “one-word” resolution each New Year’s. Being a teacher, I am very fond of borrowing a great idea, so I too am going to think of one good word to sum up my resolution goals for the year 2011.

But first, 2010. What an amazing year! At the start of 2010, we were still relishing the sleepless nights of being new parents to our brand new Ellianah, at a mere 17 days old! She has been the main highlight of this year, and Jon and I both have been so humbled, blessed, and overjoyed to experience our sweet baby as she grows and develops a little personality – and my, does she have a personality! I have never enjoyed anything more than the pure joy and delight that comes from doing whatever I can to make Ellie laugh, giggle, or coo – depending on what stage she was throughout this past year! I continually prayed for her to be a joyful baby when she was in my womb, and she is joy personified! She is such an easy, relaxed, peaceful baby. I often pinch myself, thank the Lord for his mercy on this first time mom, and pray that God would simply prepare me for whatever my next little girl will be like!

Ellie celebrated her 1st birthday and it was precious! She is so loved and adored, and it was so special to see how such a sweet little one has already made such an impression on so many. Her smile, her laughter, and her joy are contagious! The one thing that has been increasingly difficult is that I have to leave her to go to work everyday. I know that this is my role at this time, and I will be content. But, I cannot wait to be at home and invest 100% of myself into my little pumpkins!

And by pumpkins, I mean TWO bouncing baby girls! I have spent the last third of 2010 pregnant with baby girl #2, and I am already praying how God will use this little one. I am already struggling with trying not to assume she’ll be another Ellie Rose. I want to give her the opportunity to be her own unique person, with her own set of skills, struggles, and quirks! But, I DO pray that she will be healthy, joyful, and aware that God has created her for great things! I really believe that for each of my girls! God has blessed Jon and I with the task of caring for these precious babies here on Earth. And I can’t wait to see how he’s so carefully knit together each one of their little dreams, hopes and wishes!

Jon has had a tremendous year as well. It is becoming abundantly clear as the years pass by that he was MEANT to be a surgeon! The Lord has so gifted his hands, and although he is perhaps unaware of this, God has transformed not only his mind, but also his heart, and his ability to really care for his patients. He has received many thank you letters and compliments from his patients, colleagues and superiors alike, and I am so proud of him! I remember how shy and unsure of himself he was when he first started med school. His confidence and comfort with “small talk”, new environments, and constant change-have really strengthened his practice as a doctor. I love having been with him through this process since its infancy. And the transformation from man to doctor has been astounding. What an amazingly talented, gifted, skilled, and humble man I married! Thank you Lord for continuing to show me the depth of this man who is not only my best friend and soul mate-but YOUR servant! I pray I can spur him on as he continues to grow in his practice, as seeks how you’ll use him and his skills in this world.

As for me, I have learned so much this year as a child of God, a wife, and a mother. I have really come to terms with some personal demons and struggles. I am sorting through them, and God has been so faithful as I strive to refine myself and be a more Godly mom, wife, and friend. There is so much more “life that has been lived” between the words I’ve just written to sum up my year, but you get the gist. I am a definite work in progress, and the journey keeps getting more and more exciting!

So, my resolution for 2011. What word would be appropriate? Invest…surrender...create…contentment…trust…reach…pursue? So many goals, but I think I will steal my friend’s from last year and start with INVEST. I want to spend 2011 INVESTing in every area of my life. I have many ideas of how this will manifest itself. But I can best think of INVEST with regard to my mind, body and spirit, and all persons and things affected thereby.

I’m exhausted already just thinking about it! ☺