on 2015 and the difference between planes and trains

We are in the in-between time right now. The pause between this year and the next. The time that I naturally reflect and consider, dream and plan, evaluate and pray, for the year that has passed, and the year to come.

Each year I like to choose a word or phrase for the year and 2015 was the year of “a new rhythm“.

So what did that look like for me?

I turned 40.

I went to Cambodia.

I went on my first creative retreat.

I finished with a ministry that I had been leading for 10 years.

I participated in a book club.

I celebrated 5 years of blogging.

This small list highlights a year, for me, of very big things. When I look back at this year, my new rhythm has grown me so much. And it is not just reflected in what I have done, but in who I am.

I am more certain in my calling as a writer, and find myself talking about it more naturally, it is a more intrinsic part of me.

I am more settled in making a “yes” or “no” decision for my family and my life, even if it looks like it makes no sense to others.

I am more aware of the gentle questions God is asking me, and allowing him to lead me where he knows I will stretch and grow.

As I said in the middle of the year I have been surprised by the ‘new‘ in my year of new rhythm.

At the beginning of the year, the ‘rhythm’ was the part I was focusing on. I kind of wanted this year to chug along the tracks like a regular predictable train, where I knew all the upcoming stops and could see the passing terrain out my window.

In fact 2015 has been more like a flight. Taking off into the clouds, unsure as to what my next destination will be. Unable to see anything out my window and trusting I will land safely. And that I will be able to adjust to the new environment when I get there.

At the beginning of this year if I had known what was ahead I would probably have freaked out and shut down.

But this close your eyes, hold on for the ride, and figure it out when you get there year, has been amazing for me. I have taken so many risks, so many steps of faith, and I end this year saying this was a hard, but a good year, and I finished well.

And yes, I do have my words for next year, but that is for another post.

Join me for the journey,

Jodie

PS – If you, like me, want to use this in-between time to take part in some new year reflection, my friend Amanda has a great tool over on her blog. Link here