Potassium Chlorate

2011 has been a hodgepodge of noteworthy memories. It's been a year of dreams coming true, of finding joy in the simplest things, of appreciating beauty and living in the moment. It's been a year of answered prayers. 

That's not to say that there have been no heartbreaks, no regrets, no disappointments. There were. But I could keep looking back with pain and remorse, or I can look forward with unending optimism and faith that things will always get better. And I choose the latter, because life is too short to be unhappy, and because I have a God that heals the pain, dries the tears, and makes everything alright. 

For the past 365 days, my first words to Him have been "thank You", and there's still more than enough gratitude in my heart for the next 365. Or technically, 366. And I'm ready for 2012!

Silver Bells

Yes, it's Christmas time in the city. I still can't believe I'm spending it here this year, and sometimes I really feel like resenting and cursing and just... hating work for keeping me here. But the truth is, it could have been worse. Although this isn't exactly where I want to be right now, I refuse to ignore the fact that I'm still very, very blessed.

So this Christmas, I'm choosing to be grateful over being bitter. I'm choosing to be appreciative, and I'm choosing to believe that everything happens for a reason--that although I miss my family and I badly, badly wanted to go home, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I'd like to think that somehow, I'm meant to find happiness in this place.

Wherever you may be in the world right now--at home, at work, or out and about, may you find happiness there. May you find Him there and have a merry, merry Christmas. :)