The thermometer read 10 degrees this morning. The driveway was covered with a dusting of snow. Sunshine cascaded through the windows, and the sky sparkled a beautiful blue.
I bundled up and headed out to brush off the cars, push snow off the drive, and soak up the sunshine. My nose stung from the cold, but the fresh air and sun inspired me.
This year has been filled with small and big challenges for our family. We've laughed, cried, pouted and smiled. We keep saying that we are finished with 2013, but some of the hardest times were the ones that made us stronger. Some of the smallest events made us the happiest. We look forward to a new, fresh year.
May your 2014 be filled with health, happiness and love. Be grateful for every moment, small and big.
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2013 has been a really challenging year for me too. Thanks for reminding me to keep looking for the positives in those challenges!
ReplyDeleteSuch a positive perspective. I love "the hardest times are the ones that made us stronger." That is so true when we take the time to look at it that way. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI have not ventured out today as it is so cold! But I am enjoying writing by the window and watching snowflakes fall down. Wishing you different memories and experiences for 2014!
ReplyDeleteAnd to you and yours Chris. It's cold here too but no snow. That's coming on Thursday. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve.
ReplyDeleteI love these lines: "some of the hardest times were the ones that made us stronger. Some of the smallest events made us the happiest." Funny how that works, right?! Happy New Year, Chris...stay warm!
ReplyDeleteChris, I'm just not into this COLD thing! I bundle up and still shiver - the sun looked warm, until I ventured out (as far as a warm car). I'm hoping their predictions are wrong and that we'll be able to head south on Friday with no problems. Yes, I agree, somehow it's the hard times that make us the strongest. I pray that 2014 will be a great year for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI find it difficult to smile through the cold...! I'm with you--2013 was an incredibly difficult year for me, and I'm glad I'm looking through my rear view mirror at it. And yet! The lessons I learned from the stuff I've been thinking about and living through are priceless. So! On to the New Year. On to new mistakes and deep living and slow breathing (or at least trying hard to).
ReplyDeleteOoh, what a pretty picture! I also loved the line where you noted how some of the most challenging things made you stronger, and some of the smallest things gave you the most joy -- neat! :-)
ReplyDeleteWishing you many, many small joys in 2014.
ReplyDeleteBernadette
Cheers - to the freshness and blue sky, to the family, to big and small moments! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Here's to finding and celebrating the good in each part.
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