2016: Lessons

Where do I start?

This year I learned, that I am an extrovert. Yeah I'm generally "sociable", but I discovered how much energy I get from being around people. From interacting with people and getting to know them, having long conversations and meaningful time together. So much joy!
I always thought I was lonely. Look: throw back to Stephanie one year ago.  Unable to connect, unattached, unemotional, and certainly not anyone's "good friend".
But somewhere and somehow during the course of the year, God miraculously opened me up, made me willing to share my feelings and thoughts, made me eager to do life with others. I'm still wrapping my head around how it all happened.
But wow, what an incredible year!
I became such good friends with such wonderful people - in Scotland, in Minnesota, and even in Indiana. (I made friends! Three cheers for not-lonely Stephanie.) All by the grace of God.

Anyways, back to the bulleted lists.

• Pursuing Christ is hard. Sharing Christ is hard. It's not a passive action; it requires heart, endurance, and will power.
• I am not a humble or patient person. On the list for "things to be aware of/areas where in need of God's help"
• A desire and longing for the salvation of my non-Christian friends.
• Learned what this feels like: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
• Traveling is incredible, if schedules are loosely set, people have the same interests, and no one tires/hungers/needs to use the bathroom easily.
• Everything is going to be alright.

Farewell two-thousand-sixteen. It's been a good run. 
12.30.16