2014 began yesterday. But, can you recall all the hullabaloo about Y2K? We all thought the world would come to an end, or least of all, our computers would blow up in our faces. Hahaha! Where have the years gone? In 2000, I was working full time, had one son in college, and the other was finishing up his senior year in high school.
Wow! Life just keeps churning and changing. Usually for the better; but sometimes not. In 2000, I could not have imagined my life as it is today. Could I have seen the future, I would have been terrified by some of the events that occurred during those fourteen years. There have been financial setbacks and illnesses, the deaths of my much-loved father-in-law, mother, father, and two sisters-in-law. Our grandnephew spent his first months in the NICU, followed by multiple surgeries. Our first grandson had heart surgery when he was less than two months old. A dear sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation. There were times when I wondered how I could make it through another day.
But there were days of joy! I have watched my sons' expressions as they watched their beautiful brides walk down the aisle. Tears of happiness sprung up at the miracle of birth with the addition of each sweet grandchild, niece and nephew. Hearts swelled with pride at sporting events, birthdays, Easter and Christmas programs, graduations, baptisms, and ordinations. Every precious memory, just as did Mary, thousands of years before me, have been tucked away safely in my heart...pulled out time to time for savoring on days like today.
I am indeed a woman most-blessed. I have had the privilege of being loved by a wonderful man for over forty years. This month we will celebrate 39 years of marriage.
My resolution for 2014 is to climb into the front seat of life's roller coaster and just hang on! I don't want to waste too many hours on the "what-ifs", or too few on the "why-nots". Life is uncertain. At my age, I realize it wasn't meant for me to change the world. My calling is life is an important one, however. God called me to be a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. My circle of influence may not be wide, but I hope it is deep...just like the love I have in my heart for those around me. Who knows? Even if I wasn't called to change the world, I may be in the lineage of someone who will!
Copyright 2014 Laney's Musings
So, hubby & I donned thermals under our street clothes, then put on gloves before attempting to remove all signs of Christmas and restock a few things for January. While I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for new stock, and decorating my booth for the seasons is the cherry on top, winter is not too profitable. December gift-givers usually buy their treasures in malls and big box stores instead of purchasing vintage gifts. 
