One Last Look…

We tend to begin the New Year with resolutions, proclamations, and prayers. My usual pray more, eat less, blah, blah, blah, makes me mindful of what is possible in 2015.

I’m all for looking forward to new and better, yet I do think it’s wise to reflect on the things in last year I am grateful for. I believe you can’t know where to go if you don’t know where you’ve been. Here are a few of mine…

I am grateful to see the end of 2014. I don’t mean this negatively at all. Working in health care makes me very aware of people who did not live to see it. It certainly puts whatever issues I may have had with 2014 into proper perspective!

I’m grateful both kids did really well in school. If you have ever read my other blog God, autism and me, you know this has not always been the case. My youngest has always struggled in school.

However, both boys pushed themselves beyond their usual “boundaries” and obtained extraordinary results. My prodding was not in vain. I wonder if I will break a few of my  limitations, but that’s a topic for another post!

I did not die from stress. Stressful jobs cause their fair share of heart attacks. My co-workers make my job a lot easier. I should tell them more often. I am very grateful for all they do.

Good health!  Last year I ended and began 2014 quite ill. I am grateful to be healthy today.

My mother. I lost my dad at Christmas over ten years ago. Each year I get to spend Christmas with her makes me appreciative of my parents and all they did for me.

My family. Needs no further explanation.

Watching other people find success. Nothing moves me like a good testimony. You don’t have to “preach” to have one. Watching how God intervened for others  fills me with peace and hope for the things I’m waiting for.

Friends on the net!  Now I know there are cynics who think you can never really have online relationships but I beg to differ. People I haven’t seen in decades I’ve been able to reconnect with, pray with and vent all through the internet! Who would have thought it? Certainly not me!

And last but certainly not least my fellow bloggers on WP!

You have encouraged me, challenged me, prayed for me and inspired me. Taking your valuable time to stop by and comment or “like” a post is always appreciated. When I began this blog I didn’t have a clue! But you found me.

And I am grateful.

You’ve given me good reads, good laughs and different viewpoints. Your words and photos provided answers when I didn’t know I had questions.

Thanks for dropping by in 2014. I hope to see more of you as I attempt a regular blogging schedule (yep, that’s a resolution!) as we enter 2015.

Oh, I almost forgot…

Happy New Year!!! 

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

18 comments

  3. What a wonderful testimony you share of a grateful heart and all your many blessings even when I know things haven’t been easy at times. I’m so glad I met you hear dear Lilka, you have been such a wonderful friend (and yes, I call you friend, online or not!!) and encouragement to me. I look forward to sharing our blogging, writing and life-journey through the unique challenges as mother’s of children on the spectrum and all the help and support we can give one another. God bless you and here’s to 2015…may it soar with joy, good health, love and laughter ❤

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    1. You certainly can understand my “trials” Sherri but in spite of it all, we press onward 🙂 I pray 2015 leaves us much better than we were before. Our kids keep us on our knees in prayer but we’ve been blessed and often challenged with these gifts from God.

      Here’s to a new year, a clean slate and rising up to those challenges life throws our way. Peace and Love to you from the other side of the ocean!!! 🙂

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  5. What a wonderful reflection on this past year. Just learning here about your work in health care, I see you as a very compassionate, caring person in this field. I have a deep admiration for the work that you do.
    Thank you for your WordPress friendship Lilka.
    Have a blessed 2015!
    ~Carl~

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    1. Why Thank You Carl! And Happy New Year! Here’s to a wonderful and blessed 2015!

      Your presence and comments are always appreciated. I’m sure the challenges of insurance and prior authorizations haven’t always brought out the best in me at work but my co-workers and I keep trying.

      You have inspired and encouraged me with your posts.You have demonstrated how to to “keep moving” in spite of challenges.

      B Blessed in 2015! It’s been a joy to “know” you 😉

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      1. Ohh, Lilka, this is something we don’t much think of in Canada with public health care. I can’t imagine what this must be like for, to turn someone away. It must be heart wrenching, but your hands would be tied.
        Thanks you always for your kind, encouraging words.
        Blessings,
        ~Carl~

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  6. Thanks for this post. We’ve all experienced challenges. If we look at 2014 as year that thought us something, this year taught me that I have more than I realized. I have more faith and strength that I ever realized, and for that I’m grateful. Happy New Year!

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    1. Happy New Year to you!

      Yes 2014 taught valuable life lessons. Even at the very end I realized what I truly needed was right in front of me all along. I just didn’t have the proper “vision” to see it.

      Looking at the past in gratitude gives us the right perspective and attitude with which to greet the New Year. Thanks for taking time to stop by and comment on this fine New Year’s Day.

      B Blessed! 🙂

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  8. “When I began …… I hadn’t a clue. But you found me. AND I AM GRATEFUL.”
    I will remember these words throughout the coming year(s).
    Blessings to you and your loved ones..

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