Thursday, December 31, 2009

Out With The Old

If you're reading the headlines at all these past few days, you'll see the same thing over and over again.

"Good Riddance, 2009!"

"Hurry Up and End, 2009!"

"The Struggle of 2009 Comes To An End!"

"So Glad The Year of Suckdom Is Over!"

I may have made that last one up.

But you get what I'm saying.

For many, many people, 2009 marked a year of particular struggle and strife. A year that started off bad and got worse. A year that has seen more people lose jobs, lose homes, lose confidence and self of purpose and joy than the years before it. I feel for those people. I can't imagine what it would be like to be faced with the struggles that so many are facing. And for that, 2009, you can suck it.

But 2009 also brought a lot of good. It brought new babies into homes who have been patiently waiting, and new jobs to those in need. It brought a return to a simpler life when we stopped focusing on the externals of the world and saw the beauty of what's inside our own homes. It made us rely on one another more, serve each other more and to find joy in the relationships we have and not the toys we've collected. It made us re-prioritize and for that, 2009, I say thank you.

My little family fell somewhere in the middle. We had some struggles but also felt pure happiness. We scaled back in some areas and splurged in others. We spent more time with people and less with things. And through it all, we held each other close and focused on our family.

Which made 2009 a success for us. And I am so incredibly grateful.

And for 2010? BRING. IT. ON. We're ready and can't wait to see what's in store.




Happy New Year, friends!

7 comments:

GS said...

What a wonderful picture! Smiles all around and there isn't even anything under the tree yet. Memories are, indeed, made of this.

Heather said...

It's been a crazy ride and I am totally ready for 2010.

AOlson said...

I agree BRING. IT. ON. I love reading your blog, Karen. HOpe you all had and awesome Christmas and look forward to a great New Year. Thanks for being you!! ((Love and Hugs))
AMY

Kelly said...

Happy New Year Special K, BizRad, Spency, BoNans, Squish, and Witt!
We love you all and hope for nothing but a wonderful year ahead for each and every one of you!

Lisa said...

Amen. Totally ready for 2010. Ready for some stability. My goal: No moving. :)

tharker said...

For me, 2009 began the same way that many of the years past have begun. But it ended in a most beautiful, and peaceful way that as much as I long hoped for, even I couldn't have imagined how wonderful it would truly be.

I love the jammies on your sweet kids. Spencer has suddenly LOST his little boy look. He looks so grown up now! And Austin has totally lost his baby look. Such handsome boys and gorgeous little girls!

Lisa Christine said...

Beautifully, beautifully written.

Happy New Year!