Excitement in the Quiet...(Guest Blogger)

Hi friends, it's M, not B this morning. As we look to a New Year, I wanted to get my thoughts down about the whirlwind of 2008 and what we are looking forward to in 2009.

I know it’s only been a year, but I feel like both B and I have changed so much over this last 12 months. We’ve really been forced to check and re-check our priorities, and how they relate to living our lives. We’ve made some amazing friendships this last year, which I know will last a lifetime, and we’ve gotten closer with many of our other friends through the struggles. For that I am thankful.

Even our “Ringing in” of 2009 was different than the past. This was the first time in 11 years that we’ve not had plans for NYE. This year was much more low key, but just as exciting and memorable. In the past we’ve partied at LaMaffa party center with friends new and old, celebrated in the Bahamas while looking forward to Junkanoo on January 1, and we’ve spent the night like high rollers for casino night. All very fun, and all very exciting.

This year was much different. We had a nice dinner with a couple of friends, and then we made our way back home. Not wanting to sit at home and do nothing, we decided to go over to the Lake House and enjoy the dock. We packed the camping sofa, some candles, and some music. We spent the night talking, watching random fireworks going off over the lake, and enjoying each other’s company. Very nice and very memorable.

So on to 2009. Of course the first thing we are looking forward to is getting a new liver. We’re trying to remain patient as we wait, but it gets more difficult as time goes on. Once B gets his liver, we’re going to look forward to bigger and better things. We are excited about starting our long awaited family, and can’t wait for that day. We look forward to continuing to grow as individuals and as a couple; in an effort to keep our priorities focused even when we’re not in the midst of a crisis.

Yes, I said that we are looking forward to a crisis free 2009. No cancer, no livers, no health scares, or near death experiences. I think we at least deserve one year to try on a low key, restful, relaxing, and memorable year. In fact, our mantra for the year is ‘Life’s too Short.’ We’ve decided on this, as we want to focus on doing those things that matter to us, while we’re able to do them.

Fear is such a central part of all lives. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of what others might think. Yet, what do we gain by letting fear control our lives? Not a whole heck of a lot…other than possibly more fear. Now this is an area I really need to work on. So luckily our ‘Life’s too Short’ mantra doesn’t leave much room for fear. I’m hoping that it helps me to focus on loving more, cherishing others, and really nurturing relationships that are central in my life. I hope it at least helps us banish some of the fear, and live a life dedicated to God and to others. I hope this helps me to say ‘no’ to things that are not good for me, and say ‘yes’ to things that energize and excite me. Even if it’s a quite excitement. Heck…I think both B and I are due for some quiet excitement right about now. Enjoying the lake house, being blessed with a family, changing diapers, decorating a nursery, sitting on the dock talking and listening to music, loving God and loving others. That’s what I wish for 2009!

Here’s to a year of quiet excitement!