The Decade Wrap-up

So how does one wrap up the decade that up until this point made them who they are? I can only try…

When I think about all the things that happened in the last year, and then realize that not only is this the end of a year but the end of a decade, it really brings things into perspective. This past decade has ultimately shaped me into the person that I  am today. Yes, the formative years I spent in the 90’s were important, but the year 2000 and the 10 years following were some pretty important ones too.

I began the decade, much like the rest of the world wondering what would happen once the clock struck midnight. Would Y2K really stop our computers? That was my greatest concern. I laughed at my mom for storing water that I am pretty sure she never used. I spent that fateful night in the home of my friend Emily Nobles….who became Emily Wells this past October. She is a super precious person, and I am glad that even after a decade I can still call her my friend.

Another important part of this past decade is my education. I managed to start and finish Junior High and High School, but I also have completed most of my college courses…only 12 more to go!!! As a lover of knowledge I consider this a vital part of who I am. I have learned things I never thought possible. I am amazed when I think back on the number of books I have read.

Aside from the things I learned in books, life has been my greatest teacher. I have learned what is is to love…marriage will do that. ;) I have learned what it is to lose….as I lost both my mother’s parents. I have learned that what I want isn’t most important, sometimes the wants and feelings of others are much more important. I have learned the importance of a close group of friends who will be there no matter what, over an abundance of acquaintances. I have learned that sometimes your dream job isn’t what you thought it would be. I have learned that when you feel like it is never going to be ok, God has other plans. People aren’t always what they seem, but then again neither am I. At the beginning of the decade and for about 5 years into it, I was concerned with what people thought of me, would I meet their approval? What could I do to make them like me more? I figured out it doesn’t matter. I need to just be myself, love the Lord and love people and if that isn’t enough then good riddance to them.

I think one of the most important things I have learned or realized is the importance of relationships. I remember thinking my family was crazy, but now my parents and sister are some of my closest friends. I have learned that all those times I was upset about not having a boyfriend, were to teach me to be patient, because God had something amazing in store for me….DREW HUNT. I have learned that friends you can share the past and future with are super important… Jenna Sanders. I have learned that sometimes your biggest enemy can become one of your closest friends… Mr. Loftin.

When I think back over all the things that have happened, that I have done, that I have learned…it all seems a bit mind boggling. I really feel like some events happened yesterday, while others seem like they happened a lifetime ago. It has been a good decade, and as with the end of everything,we have something new to look forward to. A new decade to learn and love, to talk and teach.

Goodbye 2010, it’s been real!