Our Journey - Bring it On 2018!
On several occasions these past weeks, I’ve heard many friends, acquaintances, and even a waitress or two mention looking forward to leaving 2017 behind, kissing it goodbye, kicking it to the curb, and boldly declaring “Good riddance!” I include myself in this group. Perhaps more than anyone, I’m ready to move into 2018…expectations and anticipations abounding.
If you’ve read my blog these past months, you know that 2017 has brought with it many challenges to the Wilson Household. By far being the most challenging year of our 33 years together as husband and wife (not in our marriage, don’t want to start rumors!), I’m at the head of the line of those who are ready to move ahead, leaving 2017 in the dust.
Perhaps you’ve found yourself in this line as well.
However, as I reflect back on this past year, with a mere 2+ hours remaining, I am compelled to recall that which was good, as I know that adversity births possibility; heartache makes way for greatness; and disappointment clears the path for all things new. With this in mind, I ask myself…where have I seen evidence of God’s goodness this past year? Where have I seen Him at work? How have I felt Him, seen Him, experienced Him? Where exactly was He these past 365 days, 52 weeks, 8,736 hours, and 524,160 minutes, when everything seemed to be crashing?
I have come to realize that God was indeed close - every moment of every day. He was there to provide comfort when our hearts were broken and tired. When we found ourselves in need, He provided for all of our needs and many of our wants. He generously extended courage when we were scared out of our wits. He lavishly showered us with mercy and grace when we did our best to make right decisions. He rescued us when we felt trapped and hopeless in our circumstances, heartbroken that things hadn’t turned out as promised. He gave us wisdom and insight, when we were utterly confused. He held our hands when we were frightened. And, finally, He birthed new dreams when we cried out “What now? Where do we go from here?”
I surmise that I must be growing, as I’ve come to the place of authentically being grateful, recognizing Him to be with me in every step of this challenging, scary, uncertain year…loving, saving, directing, caring, listening, blessing, correcting and encouraging. Even, dare I say, blessing? These challenges and adversities allowed us to know, see and understand Him in a way that would have otherwise been impossible
Perhaps you’ve experienced much of the same.
Jesus, “Thank you,” doesn’t seem adequate nor just. You loved us beyond measure in 2017…more than we can comprehend. Nevertheless, thank You, thank You, thank You. You are so incredibly good!
Perhaps you feel the same gratefulness.
So here we are…back home in North Carolina with our family and friends, where we feel we belong. Stan’s latest EKG was declared by his cardiologist to be “Spectacular!” Hip surgery is completed and he’s walking in circles (literally, there’s a little boardwalk behind our condo that is in the shape of a large oval, lol!). He's feeling fantastic! I have been provided with a great job working with amazing individuals who love Jesus with all of their hearts. We’re poised to move ahead.
So what’s next? What about ministry? Stan and I would like to invite you to join us on a new and exciting leg of our journey, which will unfold over these next few weeks as we move forward in what we know to be God’s desire and direction for this next season. He has given us a plan for a new business/ministry venture – a vision birthed in our hearts several years ago. At the time we were unable, or maybe it was unwilling, to see how such an idea could possibly unfold. But now He has shown us how it can come to pass and what next steps we are to take.
Although some particulars still need to be worked out, Wilson Coaching and Consulting Is becoming a reality – Developing spiritually and emotionally healthy people, families, cultures and leaders – encouraging, enriching and empowering individuals and organizations to be all God has made and called them to be.
More details will come! Please tell your friends! Connection will not be limited by locale, as we will also conduct business via Facetime, Skype, Zoom and phone – removing limitations of distance and location - helping others move ahead into their destiny.
Whether 2017 was a year of great prosperity or struggle; blessing or distress, our hope and prayer is that 2018 will be full of God’s most abundant, indescribable, limitless blessings for you and your family. May dreams be dreamt, visions be birthed, ideas come to fruition, and may your heart be overflowing with His limitless goodness!
Bring it on 2018! We’re ready!
Happy New Year Blessings!
Cammie (and Stan)
