The Lessons of 2004 (originally published in December 04)
Garlic burns easily, first birthday parties are overrated, and toys with flashing lights and music have no long-term appeal. These are just a few of the things I learned in 2004.
As my son and I were flying home from Chicago after a two-week stint at my sister’s house, I discovered that I learned much more this year than I realized. For example, just this morning, I learned that toddlers have better eyesight than eagles, able to find a tiny piece of glitter that must have fallen off a Christmas tree ornament onto our beige carpet. I also learned that the same toddler could be entertained with this tiny piece of glitter, surrounded by mounds of toys, for nearly five whole minutes.
Also on my list of “Stuff I learned in 2004 are random things like: tea tree oil can be used for almost anything, especially when it comes to taking the stink out of cloth diapers. Shopping online isn’t as risky as I once thought, nor is eating poultry after 11 years of vegetarianism.
However, other things on my list are a bit more meaningful.
I learned that parents can move away, and that listening to some of Dad’s old music can make it a little easier to handle.
I learned that trusting God with our finances is a daily test to see if I really believe Him.
I learned that parenting a toddler is completely separate of parenting a baby.
I learned that sometimes it’s better to close my mouth and say nothing, especially when what I’m saying is not helpful.
I learned that prayer really works, even when it seems to be fruitless.
I learned that serving my husband is not a chore but a pleasure.
I learned that cable television is more addicting than ever.
I learned that getting rid of clutter was more freeing than I expected.
I learned that my son’s laugh is the sweetest sound in the entire world.
I learned that my attitude can dictate the attitude of everyone else in the house.
I learned that patience is the hardest thing to have but makes everything easier.
I learned that a dear friend of mine with cancer has more peace in her heart than I do.
I learned that when my conscience is nagging me, I better listen, especially since it’s not my conscience at all.
I learned that every time I think I’ve figured something out, the equation changes.
And, lastly, I learned that God gives the best surprises.
At only 26 years old, I know I have a long life still awaiting me. Next year will bring more lessons to be learned, some with heartache, some without. I’ve often wondered if 2005 will be the year we finally become debt-free, or maybe it’s the year we adopt our second child. It may be the year for neither. Regardless, just like this year, I will face each life lesson with my feet on the ground.
So long, 2004. It’s been good.
As my son and I were flying home from Chicago after a two-week stint at my sister’s house, I discovered that I learned much more this year than I realized. For example, just this morning, I learned that toddlers have better eyesight than eagles, able to find a tiny piece of glitter that must have fallen off a Christmas tree ornament onto our beige carpet. I also learned that the same toddler could be entertained with this tiny piece of glitter, surrounded by mounds of toys, for nearly five whole minutes.
Also on my list of “Stuff I learned in 2004 are random things like: tea tree oil can be used for almost anything, especially when it comes to taking the stink out of cloth diapers. Shopping online isn’t as risky as I once thought, nor is eating poultry after 11 years of vegetarianism.
However, other things on my list are a bit more meaningful.
I learned that parents can move away, and that listening to some of Dad’s old music can make it a little easier to handle.
I learned that trusting God with our finances is a daily test to see if I really believe Him.
I learned that parenting a toddler is completely separate of parenting a baby.
I learned that sometimes it’s better to close my mouth and say nothing, especially when what I’m saying is not helpful.
I learned that prayer really works, even when it seems to be fruitless.
I learned that serving my husband is not a chore but a pleasure.
I learned that cable television is more addicting than ever.
I learned that getting rid of clutter was more freeing than I expected.
I learned that my son’s laugh is the sweetest sound in the entire world.
I learned that my attitude can dictate the attitude of everyone else in the house.
I learned that patience is the hardest thing to have but makes everything easier.
I learned that a dear friend of mine with cancer has more peace in her heart than I do.
I learned that when my conscience is nagging me, I better listen, especially since it’s not my conscience at all.
I learned that every time I think I’ve figured something out, the equation changes.
And, lastly, I learned that God gives the best surprises.
At only 26 years old, I know I have a long life still awaiting me. Next year will bring more lessons to be learned, some with heartache, some without. I’ve often wondered if 2005 will be the year we finally become debt-free, or maybe it’s the year we adopt our second child. It may be the year for neither. Regardless, just like this year, I will face each life lesson with my feet on the ground.
So long, 2004. It’s been good.