I always enjoy the end of the year because I always enjoy a fresh start. While I’m aware that the ocean between December 31st and January 1st is much less of an ocean and more of a creek, there is something about it that feels like a renewal. I choose to lean into it. I end the year in reflection and from that reflection I’m able to give myself grace. “Look how far you have come, Louis. Look how much you have grown.”
We cannot force God’s hand. When cannot move God faster than God was going to move. God moves in perfect step with God’s perfect will. The key is not just accepting this reality, but resting in it.
Speaking of rest, obeying God comes as a result of resting in Jesus. Resting in the fact that God is deeper in grace than we are in need. Praise.
Flattery is another word for lying.
Friendship with Jesus is the energy that fuels community. I need Jesus’ love to love others well.
It has never been and will never be about what I could/should do for Jesus. It always was and will always be about what He has done for me. Gratitude is the posture I’m invited to partake in.
More than one thing can be true: the circumstances of life can be hard, and God is still always good.
The only thing holding me back in my life is me- my mind. How will I choose to view the circumstances of my life, with grace or hate or love or fear or opportunity or anger? That is the only question, how will I respond? The answer to that question is up to me.
Among some beautiful lessons learned, 2022 produced some truly stellar art. Check out my top movies, books, music, and television of the year. (art is objective and therefore it is nearly impossible for me to rank. These lists are in no particular order).
Movies:
The Fablemans
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Tar
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
RRR
Catherine Called Birdy
Triangle of Sadness
Fire of Love
Avatar: The Way of Water
*Note, I have not yet seen Aftersun, Babylon, Armageddon Time, or The Whale
Books:
Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury, Evan Osnos
Finding Me, Viola Davis
The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron
Putting it Together, James Lapine
The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead
Music:
The Hardest Part (Noah Cyrus)
Sonder (Dermot Kennedy)
Everything to Everyone (Renee Rapp)
JAMIE (Montell Fish)
Multitude (Strome)
MOTOMAMI (ROSALIA)
Six (Original Broadway Cast)
Into the Woods (2022 Broadway Cast Recording)
Television:
The White Lotus (Season 2)
The Bear
Abbott Elementary (Season 2)
Life & Beth
Never Have I Ever (Season 3)
Hacks (Season 2)