The Duke Family

Wow. December 8th. I can't believe this year is almost over. To look back at what this year has brought us....
I woke up this morning with this verse in my head,

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I absolutely LOVE this time of year. I have to admit, there is a little bit of an internal struggle going on inside of me this year due to the "what might have beens". When I think about how I expected this season to be and how it has actually turned out, my heart gets heavy.
It reminds me of a Dr. Suess book, Oh the Places You'll Go. There's a part that says,
"I'm sorry to say so but sadly it's true
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you."
It's funny that so many people think they are safe. Safe from "bad things". Safe from "scary things". You know what, you're not. And before this past year. I was one of those people. Not that I thought I was invincible by any means. But until you have had to go through a really "hard time", you don't know how you will act.
What you will become.
How you will grow.
I am thankful for the growth my family and I have experienced. I am thankful for the strength I have received through my weakness.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

I thank God daily for the strength he made crystal clear through my weaknesses. I thank Him for His abundance of grace. I thank him for comforting me.