2017 has been a fruitful and challenging year for me..though my life right now mostly revolves around school, it hasn't been without its share of difficulties, triumphs and new experiences.
January 2017 marked the beginning of 1st year, 2nd semester, and as I write this, I'm just waiting for the complete upload of my grades so I can proceed with the enrollment in time for the first day of classes of 2nd year, 2nd semester on Monday, January 8th. How time flies, especially now that I'm in school, when every day is about catching up, and juggling a lot of things at once. I'm actually not yet mentally ready to go back to the grind again, with still so many things I'd like to do in other areas of my life, but we do what we have to do, so here I am, trying to tick one off my to-do-list by trying to come up with my mandatory year-end post:)
My unforgettable milestones/achievements/challenges this year are...
(to be truthful to 'unforgettable' I'm purposefully avoiding looking at my planner and journal..haha)
- academic achievement (i'm the first year outstanding student..yay)
- my fainting incident and head injury
- our first family trip in Boracay (a separate post on that after this)
- 2nd year, 1st sem (all of it)
- my CPC and Quiz bee experience
I'm looking at my list now and I realize that those experiences that I found really difficult for me were the ones that made it to the list (except for the family trip in Boracay..haha). They all ended in triumph, only by the grace of my Lord Jesus, but they weren't easy victories, and maybe that's why they left their mark. Looking at my list now also made me realize that 2017 was about struggling with a lot of things with myself. Because 2nd year was difficult, striking the balance to maintain the other areas of my life also became more difficult. One or the other has to suffer, and it is just now that I remember not including Papa's 60th birthday in my list...maybe because I've been trying to forget that I wasn't there because I had to prioritize an exam.
I have also not been a faithful servant. My daily devotion and prayer time was still there..but just still there. I grieve about how the time had to be cut short, and how the quality also suffered because I was distracted with a lot of things. My failure to fully give up my sinful habits did not help, and to sum it all up I don't think I've become a better version of myself this year.
But I'm still here, and the Lord has given me another year. And for each day that I get to try again, I am grateful. I'm even more grateful that my Lord doesn't look at me the way I look at myself. Each time I pray, I look into His eyes and His heart through His Word and all I see is love..His love giving me hope, peace, and gently nudging me to press on, because even though I can't do it on my own, He assures me that I won't be alone. He's always with me, always going before me, and always helping me get back up each time I fall.
This 2018 Lord, I want to be better for your glory. And so let me begin by resolving to seek joy and satisfaction in being in your presence. Would you help me simplify my mind once again, investing time and energy on the things that truly matter, with less of the distractions? You think I should go back to journaling? I'll do that too:) I also resolve to make use of my time wisely, and to make myself more accountable to you and to the people you surround me with.
I'm anticipating it will be difficult, but your joy is my strength. So in advance, thank you for a victorious 2018!
Love,
Katy
