A Decade in Review

Can you believe we are really getting ready to enter into a brand-new decade? As I think about that, I am floored at what the last decade has brought in my life. Ten years ago, I was planning a wedding, in my second year of teaching, and awaiting the arrival of two nieces and one nephew. Now I am preparing to celebrate my tenth wedding anniversary. Starting Monday I will begin the second semester of my twelfth year of teaching. And now we have kids galore in our lives.
But that isn't all that has changed. Nathan and I have spent the last ten years developing a life here. We have made friends and gotten involved in our church here. We purchased our home, had Jillian, and have watched her grow and learn and become her own person.
Alma isn't the only place that has changed. Our entire world has changed. Ten years ago, no one would ever have believed that someone would use an airplane as a weapon. There wasn't talk of "full body scans" or drastic security measures. We saw tense elections and our first minority president. America has been at war in Iraq and in Afghanistan. And we have experienced fear over what other people are capable of doing. And if you have been watching the news, that is still happening today.
This last decade also saw the loss of people in our lives. I had the wonderful gift of having all of my grandparents in my life for almost twenty-nine years. But in this last decade, we lost both my Pap and my Papaw. Both of those losses were difficult and yet we were able to grieve as those who have hope rather than those who don't. Nathan lost his Grandma Meadors and his dear Uncle Tommy. And we, of course, lost our baby.
But honestly, when I think about this decade as it comes to a close, it is positive. We have experienced such wonderful things. I saw Europe two more times. I have been blessed by many wonderful students. Our friendships that we have are amazing to us. My co-workers are great. I enjoy their company every day. And back to the our nieces and nephews, Wow! What an addition we have had in that category! Nathan got a job that he likes and he continues to like it - almost six years later. We have the love and support of our parents and our sisters and their families. We have experienced blessing and abundance.
Happy New Year, everyone. And Happy New Decade! When I ponder all the crazy, amazing, and valuable things that occurred in the last ten years, I can't even imagine what is to come in the next ten years. Life changes, things happen (good and bad), and let us make the best of the world that is ours.