A few weeks ago, Bobby and I met up for our weekly lunch date at Pearl Garden, one of our favorite local Chinese places. We always get a laugh out of the fortune cookies (We add “in bed” to the end. Do it. It will revolutionize your fortune cookie experience.), but this time I was a little caught off guard by the fortune in mine.
“When the flowers bloom, so will great joy in your life.”
I think we probably still joked a little bit, and Bobby teased me that maybe I’d be pregnant again in the spring (That’s a big, fat NO.). But that little cookie prophecy has stuck with me. I can hardly take my mind off it.
Last year was really, really hard. Have you ever seen an old, weather-beaten wooden house that has been abandoned for years … so abandoned that no one’s even bothered to tear it down?
That’s how the last year has made my soul feel.
I am weary. I have reached points where I wasn’t sure my emotions could handle any more. I have bent, but I. have. not. broken.
The past year has been spent clawing my way out of the dirt, sometimes with bare hands. I have mud under my fingernails and smudges on my face, but I can see daylight now, and it makes me yearn for the sunshine even more.
Yes, I’m tired, but I am hopeful. I am ready to see mourning turned to dancing and sorrow turned to joy. And that’s my prayer for 2012.
***************************
thefamilymath.wordpress.com 
May your 2012 be so full of joy that it explodes. That’s my wish for you. Beautiful post. Beautiful. LOVED the imagery of the old weather-beaten house. They always catch my attention and in my head I’m remodeling them and imagining them how they used to be – they are ALWAYS beautiful and so are you. (hugs)
Thanks, Lauren, and thanks for all you do!
Loved this:
“I have mud under my fingernails and smudges on my face, but I can see daylight now, and it makes me yearn for the sunshine even more.”
And of course I adore your choice of word for the year, I hope you’ll come hangout with me then, at http://www.ppdtojoy.com.
Can you join the next PPD Speakeasy phone support chat? it’s on Tuesday January 17 at 8:30pm EST.
I’m not familiar with the PPD Speakeasy phone support chat, but I’m free at that time. Can you e-mail me some details? mistymath at gmail dot com
Checking out your site now!
beautiful. wishing for you healing in 2012 which will bring the Joy in abundance! Yeah!
Thank you!
Just beautiful imagery. Love your word for this year.
Oh man. I relate to this so much. The weariness of it all just strips you down and I love that your word is joy, it’s perfect!
Oh, that is so beautiful, especially because flowers will always bloom, just wait and see. After Winter they will bloom again! I wish you a joyous 2012.
Another great reminder. Thanks, Mirjam.
When you finally see that light, you know that you have the upper hand
It’s a glorious feeling to see the finish line.
Sending you strength as you run as fast as lightening towards the end.
You got this girl.
You. Got. This
This reminds me of one of my favorite verses and worship songs…Proverbs 30:5…and “Trading My Sorrows” 🙂 love you always misty bell!
Thanks, Lauren Bowen! 🙂