The End of 2008

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I am amazed that we have reached the end of another year. It went so fast and yet events that happened during the first half of 2008 seem like they happened ages ago. My fabulous and super smart wife came across a list of questions on the blog, Simple Mom, meant to help one reflect on the past year.

Here are some of my answers.

  1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
    I was falling back into some behaviors and thinking that are not good for me, and my wife bravely and directly confronted me about it. It was hell, but she helped me get back on track. We are still working on it.

  2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
    Same as above.

  3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
    We are having another baby! This will be number three for us.

  4. Pick three words to describe 2008.
    Opportunity, Growth, Mistakes

  5. What were the best books you read this year?
    Hands down the best, most life altering book I read this year was The Alchemist. If you have not read it, then I would say repent and start reading it as soon as you can. It will enrich your life.

  6. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
    Jamie, Sam, and Jack (are there other people in my world?)

  7. In what ways did you grow emotionally?
    I learned that demonstrations of respect for others creates bonds of understanding and motivates people to help me and themselves.

  8. In what ways did you grow spiritually?
    I learned that God still loves me. I remembered that his power is greater then all things and he will deliver me from adversity in all its forms. I found that piece and serenity come as I become more in line with Him.

  9. In what ways did you grow physically?
    I know my stomach is bigger.

  10. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
    It is ok to make mistakes, and is some ways it is even healthy. The fear of failure can be overcome, because I have taken great strides toward conquering it. It is refreshing to fail or mess up and then rise up and keep going. I thank God for my weaknesses because they make me turn to him and make me who I am.

  11. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2008 for you.
    It was a year of pain and a year of joy, a year of love and a year of anger, a year of cherish and a year of regret, it was a year where I learned to chose play with my children over one project or another, it was a year I learned to love my wife for all the little things she does that make her special and make me laugh (I will never tell you what they are, because they are mine.) More then anything this was a year to find hope. I have great hope for the coming year and look forward to more of this mess we call life.


Answering these questions has helped me look back on the past and just feel grateful. Thank you for reading my words.

This year I commit to more frequent entries on this blog. Please come back and keep coming back.

Comments

Honey said…
Hello to the Wildes from the Jackson's. We enjoy your blog.
Honey & Dave Jackson
June 22, 2010 at 9:41 PM
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