Just a thought.

It's Monday - a new week has begun.

I am in constant shock of how fast these last few weeks have gone by, let alone the last few months. It's only 10 or so weeks until Christmas which means that 2014 will soon be on our doorsteps. Wow

What have I done this year?!

I am thinking about this very question while I sit here at my desk, looking out at the empty office that lies before me. To be honest, I am not sure how much I actually have done. But I'm realising that the more important question to ask is what have I learnt?

It's so important to constantly try and improve. We all make mistakes and we all (generally) learn from them. This year I have made a lot of mistakes and I've also experienced many trials and hardships, of which I am not yet comfortable talking about on here. Regardless though, this year has been tough

but I am thankful.

Yesterday my church group and I ran through a few passages from the book of James. It taught us how to persevere through trials, trials like I have faced this year. It was encouraging. It showed me how blessed I am to have been through so much because now I am stronger, I am wiser and I am more mature.

Am I perfect though? No. I am not even close, but I have a strength I never had before this year which I am forever grateful for.

I can't yet say that I am looking forward to the next trial that comes my way, but I am confident that through that trial there will be a silver lining...
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...and that, that is what I am looking forward to.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" James 1:12