Last night (Friday) I had some time to just stop, take a break, sit by the fire at Panera and reflect on the past year. One of the blogs I read had a link to another blog with a list of questions to ask yourself as you wrap up one year and head into another. Here are some of those questions and my responses…
What was the single best thing that happened in 2011?
I know it says ONE thing, but I have a tie for this one:
* Receiving and accepting the call to be the Director of High School and Young Adult Ministries at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Tonawanda, NY
* The birth and new life of Karlie Marie (my niece)
What is the single most challenging thing that happened this past year?
Letting God break through some hard walls I had up around my heart and bring about healing in some broken places. Learning to love the real me and figuring out who that even is. Then, opening up myself to share that real “me” with others. (While challenging, these things are also some of my favorite things about this year!)
What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Saying no. 😉
What was an unexpected obstacle this year?
The awkward few months while both First Trinity and I discerned what God’s will was for me/high school and young adult ministry after my internship ended.
Pick three words to describe 2011.
Struggle
Freedom
Joy
What was your biggest personal change from January to December?
I’ve figured out more of who Rebekah Ruth Freed really is and have allowed me to really be ME (at least more often). I stopped trying to be who I thought I should be and was able to focus instead of becoming me.
In what ways did you grow spiritually?
This is a hard one to really nail down but I think it involves depth…allowing God to take me deeper into truths he was already teaching me. I’ve learned what it means to experience grace (especially from myself) instead of living under the weight of expectations I place on myself. He’s challenged me to let walls fall in relationships with family and friends as well as the hurting parts of my heart I was trying to protect. I’ve experienced freedom and joy as He’s taught me more about who He’s designed Rebekah Ruth Freed to be.
What was the most enjoyable part of your work?
PEOPLE! Building relationships; interacting with staffmates; conversations with youth and young adults; multiple times to laugh with others each week.
Also, just getting to see goals starting to actually be met and the vision to take shape.
What was the most challenging part of your work?
Ignoring my people pleaser nature to try to balance the needs of youth and young adults with their wants and desires. Trying to demolish my perceived/desire need for approval from others and simply doing what God was calling me to do each day.
What was your single biggest time waster in your life?
Evenings spent on the internet or playing games on my phone.
What was the best way you used time this year?
Investing in relationships…making time to just relax with friends…visiting friends and family in August all over the midwest… writing to people during Advent. I don’t regret a single time I said “yes” to an invitation to hang out with other people. I am better for it!
What was the biggest thing you learned this year?
Who I am is more than enough.
What are some of your favorite memories from 2011?
- Going to Haiti in March
- Finding joy in unexpected places.
- Getting to announce to the congregation that I had accepted the call in May. Such a fun day!
- Becoming an aunt/Godmother
- My niece’s baptism
- Workcamp
- Graduating from college!
- Three weeks travelling throughout the midwest seeing friends and family. This was crucial in God confirming my Call to First Trinity and letting Him teach me who I was.
- My commissioning and installation and all the little things that made that weekend so special.
- Celebrating the marriage of my sister and brother-in-law.
Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
Live in Freedom. Breathe Life. Choose Joy.
joyfullyblessedblog.com 
I’m moved by your openness and honesty, by YOU, the gift God made you and the one you share with us. I want my 2012 to be the way you describe 2011: Live in Freedom. Breathe Life. Choose Joy.
In fact, I’m going to start embroidering these three things right now. Love you.
I guess those things aren’t so much descriptors of this year as much as where I landed after all that God took me through. The life lessons I want to take with me and not forget. What ACTUALLY matters once you clear out the details of each struggle, joy, challenge, or blessing this year. Thanks Lisa for being one of the people who challenges me to live out these things and truly be me! Love you, friend!