Farewell to 2023

Pictures above: birthday cupcakes for Liam’s class (with mustaches, of course), bridal shower decor, baby shower cake, CJ’s little feet, and my dress for the wedding

It has been bittersweet to bid 2023 farewell. Personally, it was such a good year. It wasn’t without its challenges and hardships, but the good outweighed the bad by far.

The first half of the year was full of celebrations. Liam had his first birthday party with friends his age early in the year, then I hosted a bridal shower for my younger sister alongside my older sister and mother the following month in Fort Worth.

The month after that, some dear friends threw me a baby shower, and exactly a week later, our baby boy decided to surprise us by making his debut, over two weeks before his due date! Although life slowed down a little bit after CJ’s birth, we still took a couple of trips to San Antonio to get Liam’s suit tailored for his role as ringbearer in my sister’s upcoming wedding, and I fretted over yet somehow managed to write a toast for my role as matron of honor.

Seven weeks after CJ was born, we traveled back to Fort Worth as a family of four and had a fabulous albeit tiring weekend celebrating my sister and her groom as they tied the knot. The biggest events were now behind us, and I was relieved that each one went so smoothly.

Since then, we have taken a trip to a nearby beach as a family, Liam started school, and we have visited JJ’s family out of town. This last year, Liam also initiated many spiritual conversations with me and prayed with me to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. And although I am unsure that he fully understands the gospel yet when I have later talked to him about his decision, I am so encouraged by each step toward faith that he is making.

God’s generosity overflowed into every aspect of an eventful 2023, and I’m so grateful for all of it.

In light of such a beautiful past year, it has been sad to me to begin a new one. But then I remind myself that His mercies are new every morning, and I think of God’s goodness and how it has preceded me into this year. Surely there will be challenges and hardships this year like there were in 2023, but God will be with me in them. He will teach me things through them and strengthen my faith. And He will continue to be the same generous God, deepening friendships this year, granting me new experiences, delighting me with new songs I’ll hear and special moments with Him and with family and friends. I do not have to fear the uncertainty of this new year because my future is certain in Him, and He will guide me. His love will carry me through. So, here’s to the adventure that God has for each and every one of us this 2024! May we seek to walk with Him closely this year and enjoy everything in this year that He has in store!

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.”

Psalm 65:11 NKJV