Toward the end of December 2011, I was praying for relief from our struggles and trials. Nearly two years of unemployment for Kelly were finally at an end, we had 1 working vehicle for 3 adults with jobs (not counting Hannah and her car, since we aren’t responsible for her transportation), and Michael was really struggling with anxiety. As I was praying I felt like God was saying 2012 would be “good.”
Now I am not one to feel that God is audibly speaking to me, but there was a very pressing sensation that “good” would define 2012. So I told my good friend and I clung to that.
January and February were very quiet months. The winter was mild, with cold snaps, but nothing awful. We made all our payments on time and continued to borrow a vehicle so that Kelly could get to work and I could take Michael to work.
March, quite literally, blew in with a fury. The tornado changed everything. Yet, we were all four safe. Michael’s comic collection was safe. Everything else we could fix or replace in time. We received a huge amount of support.
April to July were spent in clean up, construction, recovery. We added a second car to our driveway, paid all our bills on time, and I got a job working for a very good friend.
August to November were also quiet, we made progress by paying off a debt, and traded my newish Jeep for 2 older vehicles so that we would have a spare. Things were super tight (financially), Michael had some moments that worried us as he finally dealt with the trauma of the tornado. I struggled with my health a bit. My arthritis was out of remission which causes pain, sleeplessness, weight gain, and migraines. Hannah continued her career as CNA but switched facilities. She seems much happier. I began attending St. Paul’s Episcopal Church part time and remained at Nabb Presbyterian part time.
December. Ah December . . . We lost a good friend, tried to be a help to his widow and children, winter weather blew in 3 separate times with ice and snow. We aren’t worried, because of the tornado we have plenty of firewood. I was exposed to poinsettias early and coughed the month away. Kelly had a wreck in his black jeep during an ice storm.
I hadn’t really thought too much about the “whole year” until Christmas Eve when Jim asked our family for a recap of 2012. The other three responded quickly that they preferred NOT to relive the past year. Apparently we did not have a “good” year. Looking back I suspect that if I just looked at the events I would say we definitely did NOT have a good year.
So I was praying again in December and asking that God not tell me it would be a good year in 2013. Then it dawned on me.
His definition of Good is not the same as mine. My definition meant “Easy.” His definition meant “more like Me.”
Honestly, if I use His definition it was a very good year.
And I am thankful for that.
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WOW! Kimberly, as a child I always called you Charlene Atlas due to your strength even as small as you were. 2012 has shown your true strength of mind and character. I am blessed that we are family, and honored to be called Mom.
I love you more each year and appreciate the adult Kimberly!
Mom
Thank you Mom.
I would say that all in all God did give you a good year. He gave you the love and support and provided what you needed, when you needed it. You are totally right when you say that our definition of good is easy. I have found that easy isn’t always good. You are a very strong and special woman and I am so blessed to have you in my life and that I have found you and were able to put you back in it! Lots of love, hugs and blessings!!
Kimmy, it was a good year for me because I had you for a friend. Love you! Jane
Terri and Jane! Thank you both for the excellent reminders of great friendship!