Out with the old, in with the new

In just a few moments, 2011 will come to a close in the Central Time Zone.

I said good-bye to a few things this year:

* my gallbladder -- don't miss it, should have gotten rid of it lots sooner
* the beautiful trees in my backyard -- miss them a lot, but don't miss worrying       about them when the wind blows
* my purple mittens -- will always miss them  : ( 
* gray hair -- at least my highlights camouflage most of it
* misplaced hope -- too complicated to sum up in a pithy comment
* a friendship I treasured -- life goes on and people grow apart . . . get over it

I know that 2012 will bring new losses, but I also know that the new year will bring additions.  I hope I can willingly relinquish all that I stubbornly hold onto in order to free up my hands and my heart for the new blessings and challenges that God wants to give me.

One thing that was new in my life in 2011 that I have genuinely enjoyed and look forward to enjoying in 2012 is (ab)normal.  This is my 190th blog post!  It has been fun, and sometimes not so fun, to share my thoughts and ideas.  I am proud that I was able to fulfill my commitment to blog at least three times per week and to write a Thankful Thursday post weekly.  It wasn't always easy, but it was worthwhile.  I hope to do the same next year.

Good-bye 2011.  Hello 2012.  I hope it will truly be a happy new year from start to finish.