A word for 2013

I was inspired by my friend ( & fantastic blogger ) Laura  to choose a word for 2012, and set my sights on one to live 2013 by. Choosing a word for 2013 was a non-issue for me, and I will get to that in a minute. But choosing a word to sum up all that was 2012, that was a great challenge.

2012 was a year of big changes for me and my family. There were big decisions. Many sleepless nights. Lots of health-scares with my extended family (that continue to haunt our lives). But it was also a year of warm and heartfelt memories (we took our 18 month old to Disney after all!) and a year of finally coming home, which was a long journey.

It was a year of dark, dark days that I was not sure I would be able to keep my head about water and see the light of day out of. But it was also a year of seeing the sun shining through as darkness drew to a close on each new morning.

It was a year of not knowing when, or why or how. But in reflecting back, so much of the unknowns become to crystal clear and when I really think about the year...it was a year of faithfulness.

So faithfulness is the word I choose to sum up 2012. Knowing that all things happen for a reason. Looking back and knowing that God walked us through every storm and was smiling on our every happy moment. And I feel so glad knowing that I can label 2012 so confidently with that word - something that, had I of been asked halfway through the year, I was not sure I could do.

On the cusp of 2013 I remember sitting in the car with my husband and telling him I was not sure that I could face 2013. But here it is upon us. I felt like its presence loomed over us for a long time as is haunted me. And then it just came, like a whisper in the night along with all of my fear of facing it.

I know that 2013 as some demons that I have to face, and they scare me. 

But I also know that I will accomplish some great personal goals in 2013 (my like running my first half!) I know that it will be exciting to watch my baby boy continue to grow into even less of a baby and more of a boy. In saying that, it is with courage that I have chosen to take on this new year! 

Courage: The ability to confront fear, 

pain, 

danger, 

uncertainty 

or intimidation.

Courage to be the best mom and wife that I can be as I continue to strive for a better balance. 

Courage to meet my personal goals despite the fear in my head telling me that I can not do it.

Courage to face all that 2013 has in store and know that I will continue to experience the same faithfulness that saw me through 2012.

So here is to 2013, a year of courage.  
    

12 pictures for 12 months