Year End Reflections by Connie Hawkins

2009 is almost over. It's been both a year of joy and one of sadness. Joy first: I took my first airplane trip!! Yep, I finally got on an airplane and flew to Florida with my daughter to visit my brother and my father. We had a great time. It was so enjoyable. Would I fly again? Hum-m, I'm thinking about it. The birth of my adorable grandson, Jeremiah, (Little J) on March 30th was truly the highlight of 2009. He is such a delight and has captured our hearts from day one. He brings laughter and joy into my life.

Went to see the musical Chicago with the girls at the Bay City Players. It was so much fun, didn't realize how much I needed that night out. Struggled with trying to lose weight, which will be top of my New Year's Resolutions again for 2010. I've lost the same 30lbs four times--that's 120 pounds my friends! I know that one of these times I will actually lick it, lose the weight and keep it off. All things are possible with Christ! I wonder if the cereal diet really works?

Read the book "The Shack" this year -- everyone was talking about it so I decided that I needed to read it. I gained a lot of insight from the book and came away with a new insight about God the Father. It's a book that gives you a lot to think about.

I endured some physical hardships over the summer and into the fall. Nothing that cannot be overcome with a trip to Florida this winter!

In May my nephew (who is the same age as my son) died unexpectedly. I am so glad that Heidi and I got to spend some time with him back in February. In August a good friend from church had a heart attack and died -- he was 64. When people your age go home to be with the Lord, it makes you think about your own life and the path you are on. I'm trying to take some time every day to stop and smell the roses.

In September I traveled with my brother, my father and my daughter, to PA for a surprise 85th birthday party for my Aunt Lila and 94th party for my father. My cousin, Bonnie, graciously hosted the family, feeding 35 people every night for four days! Aunt Lila has dementia now and doesn't always remember who I am, but I always remember who she is -- the one who has been praying me through and now, it's my turn to pray Aunt Lila through!

In October, my high school friend, Mary, lost her 9-year battle with cancer. Mary was one of the most courageous people I have ever known and has truly been an inspiration to me. She said in her obituary, "Let the change you want to see in the world begin with you." She would always say that whenever we would talk, too. And so, in honor of Mary's memory I want to bring about some change in my life this coming year...first and foremost, removing some of the stone walls in my life that are keeping me from being all that God wants me to be. I know change must begin with me so I need to get to it.

I will look forward to 2010 with a positive attitude, working to accept the things I cannot change as I work more diligently to change the things I can. Peace, joy and love my friends.