The Spinning Wheel: A New Year's Reflection

Yesterday I was wondering why my right foot hurt. It’s been for months now. And then suddenly—I remembered. In 1999, I was moving into a new house. And some recent events had left me feeling upset, which was why I wasn’t paying as much attention to what I was doing as I should have been. I picked up the antique spinning wheel to place it in the living room, but the pedal shifted and I dropped it. On my right foot. And a rusty nail stabbed me right between my toes.

There’s a little scar there to remind me of that event, but I had almost entirely forgotten about it. Sometimes we just go on, refusing to slow down and pay attention to the things that are shaping us in one way or another. Sometimes the scars are there, we just stop seeing them.

As 2013 comes to a close, I challenge you to stop and reflect on the challenges, joys and sorrows that have shaped you over the course of this year. What were the valleys that held you down, or the mountains that you celebrated? And in the middle of it all, how did you see God at work in your life and feel his presence?

For me, 2013 was a pivotal year in many ways, though not necessarily easy. Applying for and obtaining the loan for our home—mostly dealing with the spastic loan officer—was a huge ordeal, causing me more headaches and stress than I care to recall. Then there was the introduction of a puppy to our household. Imagine potty training an eight week old puppy from the third floor of an apartment building. Fun times.

And NOTHING has been the same since.

And, of course, there was the process of deciding what to do with my novel. And once having decided, seeing it through to completion. Another nightmare. But now it's behind me and the book is out for sale.

There’s the saying that nothing worth having comes easily. When I look at all the things in my life that really matter, like my daughter, my husband, my home, and my novel, even the person that I’m growing into—all of them fit that description. And I can see God at work through all the trials, teaching and reshaping me.

I have so much more growing to do—and I’m sure there are many more challenges to come. Whatever the future holds, I want to carry the wisdom I’ve gained with me into the new year and not be forced to repeat any of the lessons!

So pay attention to what falls on your foot. And if it's a rusty nail, consider seeing a doctor.