2012, you've been good to me

Since this year is almost over, it would probably be fitting to write a "Best Memories from 2012," "Regrets from 2012," or "Goals for 2013" list, right? I have always liked to be different and I try to stay away from cliches so instead of doing one of those lists, I chose something different. As I was making the long 8 hour drive back to TN, I looked back on what made my year so great and I realized it was the unexpected moments, relationships, friendships, and dreams that made 2012 such a fantastic year. Drumroll please......

The Top 5 Most Unexpected Things 

Sounds simple and slightly dumb, but here we go...

1. Katie Wood.  

Last January, I went to the Passion conference with Northstar Church and it was a definitely a defining moment for 2012. On the bus ride to Atlanta, I happened to sit behind the one and only, Katie Wood. My first impression was that she asked a lot of questions and had lived in a million different places.  We became fast friends and later that semester, she ended up leading a group of freshman girls with me. She encouraged me, taught me how to love well and while I worked at camp (more of that later) she poured into me more than anyone else. She has been such a blessing to me and even though we don't see each other or talk as much, when we do, I am always thankful for that bus ride to Passion. 

2. The Circle of Caleb 

It sounds weird and it probably is. Caleb Thurman was a unexpected blessing this year. We went from being great friends to dating and finally back to great friends. Yeah, it's weird. It doesn't happen, ever, but we somehow made it work. I never would have thought that I would have dated someone for months, only for it to end with us being even closer as friends. However, I am extremely thankful for it. Thank you Caleb for adding to my unexpected adventures this year...here's to many more in our friendship. 

3. Krazy, Kanakuk Kamp

I wanted to work there so badly. Then, one day I got the phone call: We would like to offer you the job. The adventure began. 6 weeks in Lampe, MO, where I knew a total of ZERO people. Kanakuk Kamps...a place filled with joy and Jesus, laughter and love. I have never grown so much in my faith, or as a person. I also gained a close friend in my co-counselor, Diana Barns. I have never trusted anyone as fast as I trusted her. I miss her. I miss singing with her while our girls were getting ready, and causing everyone in our cabin to think we were crazy. Even though we don't see each other or talk everyday like we did this summer, the time I do get to talk to her is such a blessing. I never thought that in the small town of Lampe, MO, so many memories would be made, so much joy would be found and such great friendships would be built. 

4. Unique, New York 

Rach: "Someday, I really want to go to New York during Christmas time"

TJ: "Why don't we?"

And that began the adventure of Christmas break 2012. A trip to New York. I never in a million, billion, trillion years would have believed you if you told me that this was going to happen, especially with the people I went with. I met TJ Earl for the first time in August, and apparently, according to him, I did not make a very memorable first impression. I also first met Lizzy in August. Alex and Kristi also joined this adventure. These 4 folks and I drove to New York and spent 2 days taking in the sights. I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. Our friendships grew tremendously. We laughed until we cried (literally...Lizzy). There was not a single argument. We built a stronger trust with each other. I didn't expect such a spontaneous trip to make such an impact on me, but I am thankful it did. 

Last, but most definitely not least...

5. Grace

Rach: "Spice, I really want to learn about grace this year."

Sarah: "Me too! Let's do it"

We had this conversation a year ago almost exactly. Last year at Passion, on the first night in Atlanta, outside our hotel room, this is what we talked about. Grace. My life has never been the same. Sarah and I went though so much last spring, (and this summer, and this fall, and probably still now) struggling through our mess, climbing out of pits, accepting grace, realizing the depth of grace, learning to show grace to other, as well as to ourselves. I didn't think that the one comment I made to Sarah could literally change the course of my life. I started off this year simply wanting to learn about grace, and I am ending it by trying to live in it.

December 2011, I remember sitting with Sarah, discussing our goals or dreams for 2012. I could probably find that list if I really wanted to. I know that nothing on that list was on this 'unexpected' list. This list of unexpected things far exceeds anything I could have imagined. I am apart of such a great story, written by the most beautiful storyteller, and I want nothing more than to rest in His presence and enjoy where I am, knowing that whatever is happening, expected or unexpected, is just another chapter, another page, of the great story. 

Most of the time, our greatest joy comes from the unexpected.

Wherever you are, be all there. 

Jesus, I can't wait to see what 2013 has is store.