2018 has been a year of many ups and downs....or time to move on moments. Yes, I know Christmas letters are all about the best highlights of your life but let's get real. Life is hard, full of sadness and learning moments. This year I am going to share with you one things each of our family members learned.
This year our fearless leader, Kevin, has started a new adventure. He is doing a podcast! Yes before this happened I thought it was only high tech people listened to podcasts - I guess, I am way out of the loop. He has been in "busy moments" most of our marriage and this podcast has made him slow down and listen. Not the easiest thing to do, or to learn. He is also learning through this he must speak up. He has a unique point of view in life and I love hearing him lean into what God is doing and sharing it with others on a larger scale.
Then we have me...well I blog all the time about my mess ups, short comings and other adventures. In this I letter will highlight my health. I started the year off finding out I had diabetes. Yes a big game changer, I went on a KETO diet which then in turn gave me weekly kidney stones, then the flu which lead to pneumonia. It was a rough 4 months! Needless to say I have spent most of the year trying to figure out how to be a healthier me. In this journey I have learned more than anything else trust myself, so may "experts" will give things to do that are just not right for you. Health is about the whole you, not just physically! I am working on inner self talk and self acceptance.
Our dog, Caspian, well he has learned to drive me crazy! No seriously he has become a dog for every person. He plays with Kevin, snuggles with Samantha and eats what I drop on the ground when cooking. He goes every where we can take him, we just love his joyful tail wagging and acceptance of all of us being unique.
Lastly our daughter...She has learned she can overcome any fear. She ended her 5th grade year by speaking in front of over 400 people, going on her first ever none church camp, graduating from her elem. school to have to start a new middle school. She has joined sports for the first time and started a new instrument. Plus she learned she loves roller-coasters!!!! All things she never thought she could do she has conquered and learned worry should not stop you from going outside your comfort zone. Her bravery is inspiring as she looks forward to doing as many crazy things on our trip to Israel.
Yes it has been a big year for all of us. We make it through one day at a time like all of you. We struggle and laugh. We cry and dance. We are just like all of you. Yet we look different...on the outside people can look like they have it all together, and we never see them holding on to God's power to make it through the tough days.
Our prayer for you this season is to reflect on what kind of year God has brought you through. It has truly been an awesome year!! I am counting my blessings this season for adventures, health, providing our needs, and bravery!
Merry Christmas from the Senapatiratne's
