a new year.

I cannot believe that 2014 is here-- this past year went by quicker than any other has. What a wonderful year it was! And not because it was all good and wonderful things happening... but because it was hard and stressful and painful (and yes, of course good and wonderful, too) and it made us learn, in a whole new way, how to cling to Jesus. As we have reflected we have realized that our life is not as lovely and perfect as we may have portrayed (or even thought). We see ourselves more clearly today than we did one year ago and in turn, we see more evidently, our need and dependence on God. And that this is okay and it is good. The point is not to become sinless, perfect, happy people but to repent and trust and see our need for Christ; and to see just how good and loving He is. And what a grace that he has shown me in the ways that he has! He could have chosen awful, crazy, circumstances but He chose this little life that we are living. Oh, we are grateful for His kindness and gentleness to us. Through pregnancy, parenting a toddler, marriage, the birth of our second son, friendships, family quarreling, car problems, moving, seminary, death, financial troubles, bouts of depression, stress, changing churches, lots of love and so, so much grace, we can honestly say that 2013 was the best year yet.

2013, according to instagram from Adam & Megan Triplett on Vimeo.