Giving thanks

The lead-up to Christmas has left me physically exhausted, a case of trying to do too many things/please too many people.

So it’s nice to be able to kick back and reflect on the year which has galloped by at breakneck speed.

My biggest accomplishment in 2008 was writing a 5,000-word paper on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

While I got a distinction for the paper and received tremendous affirmation from my good grade, true success lies in how I concretize the philosophy of the late pope in my life - something I suspect I will spend the rest of life doing, given its profundity and depth.

I consider 2008 a year well spent for I put my talents for teaching and writing to good use and I’d like to think that my industry bore good fruit.

In the process, I was blessed financially and I continue to be awed at God’s providence that has enabled me to pursue my desires, studying TOB in Melbourne being chief among them.

Relationships are the meat of existence and it was a year of feasting. I got to know my rellos in Melb (many radiant smiles and wet kisses from James and Hamish) and a visit from my Oz-based aunt made 2008 very special indeed.

My year-end gift came in the form of my cousin back from the UK to stay. We’ve kept in touch through the years but nothing beats face time and just sitting down to a meal together. Welcome home J., so glad you're home!

As for friends, good girl and guy friends, a tribute to all I know who have made my life sweeter, richer and helped me grow. You are all God’s gift to me and have enabled me to get through a truly manic year by blessing me with your love and making me feel pretty special.

If I were to characterize the year in one word, that word would be STRETCH. Intellectually, physically, psychologically, spiritually, in every way possible was I challenged to take it to the next level.

While I have never felt up to the task (like leading worship), I have not backed down and although results are less than perfect at times, I remind myself that sincerity makes up for under-par performance.

I am most grateful for the healing of my gastric problems, the amazingness of JP2, the ability to let go of past loves and a “think BIG” goal for the future.

I am least grateful for my lemon-sized fibroid, sprained, tight muscles and the extra padding of fat I’ve accumulated over the months.

I wish I have had more hours in the day, more discipline, more sleep and more will power.

I rejoice that I was so centred, so persevering, so hopeful and had so much to be grateful for.

Today, I am just glad that I have time to write and say thank you to the one who made all this possible.