I’ve seen a few Tweets and Facebook Status updates indicating that folks are glad to be done with the year 2011.

Upon reflection for myself, 2011 has been a hard year. It seems to have been a harder year than I remember having for a very long time. Big changes happened in 2011 with ministries, staff positions and church family relations. Emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, I have found the last year to be very challenging. Depression still hounds me, and the darkness is still overwhelming on some days. Wounds take time to heal, even if the wounds can’t be seen.

But I can’t say “Good Riddance” to 2011 so easily. Much good has also happened. We’ve made good memories as a family. The Lord is working details out around us all the time. Our new social media management business is started well and growing (perhaps a bit slower than I had hoped, but growing still)! I’ve learned some more about me, about my children, and about my husband. I’ve seen God provide in ways that could only be explained by some kind of divine intervention. I’ve grown in some friendships, and seen others necessarily fall away. I have laughed more with my kiddos and my sweetie this year than I can remember from years before. My capacity for love has grown, and my compassion for others who are hurting has also grown.

So, I welcome 2012, thankful for all that has passed in 2011, hopeful for what is ahead, pondering in my heart what the Lord is going to do. If the last year is any indication, 2012 is sure to be interesting!

My friend Tara has posted a One Word Goal for 2012. I think that’s a great idea, so I’m going to give it a shot, too. It’s hard to nail a whole year down to one word, though.

I think, overall, in 2012, I’m hoping for, and will be working toward, HEALTH, health of body, mind and spirit.

Welcome 2012! Let’s see what’s going to happen!

Happy New Year from Raylene at It’s OK to be WEIRD!