This year flew by and I find myself wondering where all the time went. Overall, it was a decent year, marked by both challenging and easy moments, as well as those in between “meh” times. Our family underwent significant changes – Derick started a new job at Fort Gibson High School, I joined a new homeschool co-op with the kids, and we just recently took on new roles as associate pastors at our church. I signed a contract with a publishing house, participated in a writing contest, and wrote a short story and a few blog articles for fun. Spiritual growth moments were scattered throughout the year, but we also faced numerous challenges in managing our time and finances.
Both Derick and I experienced some burnout as we approached the end of the 2022/23 school year. Following the same routine for a few years, it began to feel like we were in a bit of a rut. Staying faithful to our jobs, marriage, parenting, and ministry can occasionally become monotonous. Even though we know that the rewards are worth the effort, there are times when it feels like a repetitive cycle that we could get stuck in. I guess we started to get a little weary. We believe God knew we needed some changes so we wouldn’t become discouraged.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Galatians 6:9-10
Our summer was a whirlwind of activities, from planning and participating in the young adult camp, to Derick attending youth camp, me going to kid’s camp, and both of us attending a random camp organized by a friend’s church. Additionally, our older kids participated in yet another church camp, and Josh did a free library programming camp while Ember did a dance camp. By the end of summer, I was all camped out, and it passed by in the blink of an eye.
We navigated through a lot of changes and apprehensions over the new school year. Financial decisions were challenging, but through it all, God was with us. When I asked Derick to summarize our year in one word, he said “transition,” which perfectly captured our journey. If I were to choose one word for what God did for us amid all the transitions and struggles, I would say “sustain.”
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” – Psalm 3:5
We are not perfect people, and undoubtedly, we didn’t always make the right decisions this year. There were numerous instances when I felt like a failure—whether it was struggling to afford groceries and resorting to the credit card or opting for dining out instead of meticulous meal planning, leading to a sense of guilt for not investing more time and effort into our daily lives. It has seemed like a widespread struggle for many this year as the costs of basic necessities has soared, and we are all just making ends meet.
During these challenges, my anxieties have gotten the better of me at times, causing me to worry about various aspects of our lives this year. It’s exhausting trying to make the budget match our expenses. But in moments of feeling overwhelmed or doubting our ability to get through it, God consistently showed up, guiding us and providing for our needs.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall;….He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46: 1-5, 10-11
God has never failed me. There are times when doubt creeps in, especially in moments of despair with no apparent light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, reflecting on the past year, and honestly, on my entire life, I see that He has been there every step of the way. I want to share a song with you—one that resonates with hope. May it bring comfort and strength as you navigate through the coming year.
“…Though the mountains may be moved into the sea…I can hear my father singing over me, it’s going to be ok.” – Tasha Layton