Ready to pop and needing to share these photos because of the happiness they bring to my heart. Talking to my teenage brother the other day about how hard his year has been brought back to me a theory I developed when I was fourteen or so. There are years in our life that bring happiness and great luck and then there are years that seem to be dripping with trial and challenge. As a teenager this meant one year I would like my date to homecoming and have good skin and the next year I went with to the dance with someone that wasn’t impressive and I dealt with acne. The theory of good and bad years rings as true to me today as it did at 14 but the factors vary significantly. Everyone has trials big and small but they will always be big and meaningful to that person. Never move to minimize someones trials because to them they are everything. 2017 was one of those tough years for me, the kind that you look back on with a smile and disbelief that you even made it through. 2018 has been a year of abundant blessings. We will always have ups and downs. That is what this life is all about. The way we handle ourselves in the dark moments shows our character and refines spirit. The bright moments are to remind us that God is watching and he does love us despite what we may think in those dark moments. Al Carraway once said it best when she stated “Don’t let the clouds block your sun”. I hope whatever your phase of or what this year has brought to you that you find acceptance; the kind of acceptance that can only come from within and reaches to the corners of your soul making you smile with confidence in who you are today. You are lovely and the clouds do pass. Thanks for stopping by!
-Hill
Photos by Shelley Foster
