During the holiday season it is normal to reflect on the last year– to reminisce on the amazing and beautiful things that have happened and to bid farewell to the not so beautiful parts that our story held.
As I look back on this year, initially my feelings are that in many ways it’s a year I am happy to say goodbye to. It’s held many challenging times for our family from issues with children, to health concerns with parents and more. I will be grateful to have 2022 in the rearview mirror. Even in the most difficult of times though, there were always blessings along the way. At our lowest points of the year the Lord provided family and friends to come alongside us as we walked the dark roads. Some of the friends we began the year with we no longer call friends, but those friendships that remain after the storm are truly something to treasure because they were fortified. And we have gained new friends along the way!
There have been some amazing times of healing and growth this year too. The Lord has been so faithful to our family (isn’t He always?)! He provided supernatural insight, protection, peace beyond understanding, healing and new paths for us to journey on. He has blessed us through emails from some of our amazing readers telling us of their own journeys and the impact that Aching for Eden has had in their lives. We have been encouraged to hear how the Father is leading you and are honored to be part of your stories. We have had many times of sweet fellowship with brothers and sisters in the faith, naturist and non-naturist. We are so very grateful for each and everyone of you, as you have all been a part of our 2022 in some way!
Looking ahead to a new year also causes us to analyze what we would like to change or do better. Usually people commit to exercising more or eating less. People seem to want to start the new year by getting rid of what some consider bad habits like smoking or drinking or just being lazy. While exercising more and eating better and putting down the cigarettes are all good things, I think often times we overlook some of the other bad habits we have, like speaking poorly to others and to ourselves. I think many have very bad habits when it comes to their thought life. We judge others harshly and then turn the judgement on ourselves. We could all benefit from cleaning out the dirty little spaces of our minds that cause these reactions. I’ve started this process in my own life and I know many of you have too. The knowledge of Imago Dei helps greatly with overcoming negative thinking! While I have intentions of treating my body better this year, I have intentions of treating my mind better too. I want to rest in the Father’s affection for me and internalize more fully the fact that He has the same affection for all of us.
As we look forward to 2023, the Scripture that comes to mind is Numbers 6:24-26. As the Lord instructed this blessing to be spoken over the Israelites, so we too, speak it over you:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
We look forward to 2023 with eager anticipation of where the Lord will lead next!
Happy Nude Year!
Aching for Eden 
All very good points! Thank you for this post.
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Thank you so much for this beautiful letter, for your vulnerability and your strength. I hear your pain as I read of the friends lost. I honor your courage. I am new to this community. I hope I can be a source of encouragement to you during the dark times that may come in the year ahead.
I like it: Happy Nude Year! 🙂
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