“I’m ready to kick 2024 to the curb.” That was my text response recently to a buddy who asked how things were going. Now generally I would respond with the socially acceptable answer of “fine,” but he’s a good friend who caught me at a moment of frustration, so he got an unexpectedly frank answer.
There were many moments of frustration this past year. The dreaded late night emergency alert on your phone telling you that your daughter has been in a car accident. (She was fine but the car was totaled.) The emails explaining that the film and book deals you were counting on had been delayed or cancelled due to economic uncertainty. The letter notifying you that your rent is being raised again. (It’s gone up 30% since 2022.) The phone calls from the insurance agencies telling you that they aren’t going to cover that ER visit, and oh, by the way, your premiums are now twice what they used to be. The flashing dashboard sensors on the used car you picked up as a replacement screaming that the dealership was lying about its “quality control measures.” The coughing and wheezing throughout the house announcing that the sickness the family has been dealing with for months is still there. The list goes on and on.
Now that’s not to say that there weren’t some amazing moments in 2024 as well. Walking my daughter down a rocky aisle at the base of El Capitan to get married to a wonderful young man is a highlight not only of this year, but of my entire life. Celebrating with my son over his acceptance to film school. Watching my otherwise shy and quiet kids confidently sing, dance, and act on stage. Listening to my students expertly perform a recitation that they didn’t think they were capable of. Hiking with my family through some in-state spots that happen to be some of the most beautiful on earth. The picture album in my phone confirms that the past year was full of wonderful events, and I am incredibly thankful to God for those blessings.
Interestingly, thanks to that opening list of frustrating events, I have also become incredibly thankful to God for some of the moments that didn’t make it onto the camera roll. Sitting down as a family on most evenings for dinner. Breathing freely and strongly enough to be able to walk up the street. Watching a movie on the couch with my wife. Paying the phone bill. For most of my life I would simply take these events for granted. Not right now. The ability to do these things is an incredible blessing, and I probably wouldn’t have been saying that right now if it hadn’t been a tough year.
I also wouldn’t be saying how much I have enjoyed teaching a group of international high school students. I took an extra teaching job in the fall to help pay the bills and having the chance to influence young minds from all over the world in a secular setting has been very rewarding. It’s not something I would have seen myself doing at the beginning of the year, but I can honestly say it has been a blessing from God.
That is why can look back at this year and be thankful for the struggles. Yes, it has been a tough year, but God has used the trials to grow me in ways I didn’t know I needed and direct my paths in ways I wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. God is good, and he works everything out for good in the end.
Now, that doesn’t mean that I am hoping for more struggles in 2025. Fewer would be just fine by me. We have plans to finish the film and book projects that had to be put on hold last year, (Libertyville, for example, as well as a new book and documentary feature about conversion) and we are actively developing some new projects that I am very excited about. Please pray for us, and if you would like to make a year-end tax deductible donation to help the ministry, that is always appreciated.
God bless you and Happy New Year!
Don
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