Where a Year Can Take You

by Candice Gage

In two days it will be 2012. As it usually does, the changing of the year has caused me to reflect on the past 365 days. What has happened in my life? How have I grown? What has God taught me?

As I look back over 2011, it’s hard to believe how much has changed.

In December of 2010, I received a Facebook message from a mentor and former professor of mine whom I had recently seen at a friends’ wedding. While catching up with him and his wife, I had talked about my love life – or rather, the lack thereof. They offered listening ears and some good advice. A couple days later, my teacher wrote to offer me some birthday encouragement as I turned another year older.

“Eleven years ago, on a whim, I asked a pretty girl I didn’t know out on a date. By that time the next year we had been married for about two or three months. Certainly you have experienced this same thing, but I thought I’d remind you as you watch another birthday pass.

You never know where a year will take you.”

Sitting reading that message, I wouldn’t have believed that, a year later, I would be engaged to a wonderful man. I couldn’t have imagined the story God was writing for me.

So, as we watch another year fade into the past, don’t be discouraged if your life isn’t all you dreamed it would be. God is writing a story, and we all have a place in it.

You never know where a year will take you.

1. BlairElizabeth said the following on December 30, 2011 at 1:00 pm

   

   This is such an encouraging article, and I am so happy for you. Seeing God’s plan unfold in a fellow believers life is a beautiful thing.
2. Erin said the following on December 30, 2011 at 1:46 pm

   

   I’m thankful to have been able to see what God has done for you this past year! You’ve been a wonderful encouragement and example to me and to many others I’m sure. Looking forward to seeing what the next year holds!
3. BonnieJean said the following on December 30, 2011 at 2:16 pm

   

   Aw…such a sweet and encouraging article . Thanks for sharing.
4. kaciejo said the following on December 30, 2011 at 3:30 pm

   

   This is a very encouraging article. It is so easy for us to plan our lives out and when things don’t happen in our time frame, get discouraged. But, God does have a plan we have to live by faith knowing that He will work things according to His plan.
5. blessedbabe said the following on December 31, 2011 at 12:28 pm

   

   So right.
   We never know where the year will take us.
   We just know that God is writing our story, and it’s a good future.
6. trin said the following on January 1, 2012 at 12:28 am

   

   I definately agree!!
7. maximilianeames said the following on January 1, 2012 at 2:23 am

   

   hello to all the sweet and faithful ladies out there , am single here looking for a woman i can grow with ..and you wish to know me wll you .you can use my user name to add me on yahoo so that we can chat ok …
8. Zeph317 said the following on January 1, 2012 at 10:25 pm

   

   It’s so very difficult to not get discouraged as I hear this quite often. . . .”keep your focus, don’t give up, keep praying and seeking, you have not because you ask not. . .” I continue to watch the years tick by and know that I’m to have faith that what I have (or don’t have)is God’s best for me at this time. It sure is hard though.
9. Rae said the following on January 2, 2012 at 12:03 pm

   

   This is such an encouraging and sweet story. It encourages me to trust that even the “little” moments can bring big changes. I am trying to trust that Jesus knows what he is doing even in these “little” moments. That is often easier said than done, but I find that as I trust him I am able to see more of his faithful character.
10. gracedchick said the following on January 2, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    

    I appreciate the encouragement as well! I find for myself that it makes all the difference when I believe that there is hope that it can still happen. It makes me more content and willing to make the most out of the now (singleness) – and there are a lot of cool things in the now to take advantage of when I set my mind to it!
11. ashmic said the following on January 10, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    

    Thanks Candice for writing this. I appreciate the encouragement through your story and the man you knew. I wonder a lot about God’s plans for me and try to “understand” it all however I think “resting in him” sounds better and something I want to strive for this year. Thanks for the reminder that God has a special story He’s writing for each of us and it will be amazing! Congratulations on your engagement!
12. ashmic said the following on January 10, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    

    I just want to also say that it’s encouraging just reading all the posts here. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in feeling as I do .