One Word For 2012: Tranformed – Reflection Part 1
At the beginning of the year, I selected a word to represent my year. The word I chose as part of the One Word 365 Community was transformed. Back in that post, I stated, “I want my life to be transformed by my relationship with God.” I also explained that I expected transformation or growth in other areas of my life as well.
As I reflect on the past year, it’s interesting to see how I experienced transformation. Here are some of the highlights:
In January, I had the blessing of going out to Buffalo Grove, IL for a company meeting. This meeting and trip was transformational for a couple of reasons. For one, it was the first long distance, multiple-night trip I had taken alone since my wife’s illness in 2010. This was a big step of faith that led to other bigger leaps of faith later in the year. The trip also gave me an opportunity to see my Grandma. My post, Say What You Need To Say, captures the transformation thoughts of this visit.
In February, Leanne and I attended a FamilyLife Weekend To Remember Marriage Conference in Hershey, PA. This conference was a great opportunity to recharge, refocus, and reconnect our marriage. I think we both experienced transformation through this time together. My post, Ten Reasons To Attend FamilyLife Weekend To Remember, provides additional thoughts on this wonderful growth experience. If you’re interested in going to one of these conferences this coming year, you can get a special discount through The Stretched Blog. Click here for details.
In March, I was transformed through a big decision that required a leap of faith. The decision was whether or not to go to Guatemala or not. I wrestled a lot with fear as I made this decision. I’m so thankful for family, friends, and God’s Word that encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone to later experience a life on a whole different level.
The Guatemala trip was a huge part of my transformation in 2012. In April, I was transformed by the generosity of The Stretched Community and the amazing provision of a God who loves us and wants the best for us. Early in April, I made a Big Ask as I asked The Stretched Community to join me in helping to raise funds for the trip and to Build Something Bigger as a blogging community. Within hours, I found out part of the answer to this question: How Big Is Your God? God provided for my trip and much of the money for a house we build in Guatemala within six hours of asking the question. (Later, the blogging community closed the gap and completely paid for a new house in Guatemala!)
In May and June, I started teaching my first Foundations Class at our church. This class stretched and transformed me as I led a group of people through the Five Gs. We talked about Grace, Growth, Groups, Gifts, and Giving. While the experience was meant to help the students, I think it also played a big role in my own growth this year. I just finished up teaching my second round of this class. While the class and the experience was different this time, I can still say that I was transformed through the experience to facilitate.
This was just some of the transformation I experienced during the first six months of 2012. Come back tomorrow as I recap the growth I experienced in the second half of 2012.
How have you been transformed by 2012? Did you have a word for 2012? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Thanks!