Saying Goodbye to a “Dumpster Fire” Year

When you think of the year 2023, what comes to mind? We have all probably heard the term “dumpster fire”, and that is exactly what I think of when I think of last year. Now, stick with me, this isn’t going to be a doom and gloom post. January 2023 started out with a bang, my husband and I got word that our daughter’s scoliosis had worsened. I stood looking at her x-rays, her spine resembling a snake and fear started to seep in. A few days later my seemingly healthy husband would have excruciating pain and be flown to a bigger town for not one but two surgeries, one of which was emergency.

The months that followed were filled with keeping homeschool and household afloat, my husband healing and overcoming complications from surgery. On top of that, trips to a bigger town for my daughter and a scoliosis brace being worn for 20 hours a day became part of our new family normal. 

I started to feel like I was living in a fog from weariness and yet I was so jumpy with anxiety from fear that I couldn’t really sit still. There were a lot of days that I felt mentally exhausted. I don’t think that it was a coincidence that the verses I chose to focus on in 2023 were Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”

These verses were just what I needed to remember to trust Jesus. There were so many things going on that were out of my control and I needed to just let go. This is not something that comes easy to me. If I’m really honest, I like to have as much control as possible. Trusting, however, takes courage, and that’s not a bad thing. 

If 2023 was a “dumpster fire” year for you or perhaps 2024 has started that way for you, I would encourage you to reach out to a friend and talk to them, maybe you are the one always helping others but it’s time to let someone else help you. Even more than talking to a friend or relative, I encourage you to talk to Jesus. He can handle anything we give him and he is always available.

Maybe finances are really tight, or you or a loved one is sick, a child struggling in school, recently had a loved one die, taking care of elderly parents or a special needs sibling. Whatever it might be, Jesus knows and he is trustworthy and he wants to carry all the things weighing us down, if we will simply let him. It doesn’t mean that your situation will drastically change, it might not. Yet you will make it through with a best friend, one that will never leave you, by your side, giving you strength to make it through whatever comes your way. 

Yes, 2023 was a hard year but also a year of many blessings. From having lots of family connection time, letting friends and family help out when we needed it, and simply taking time to rest. I am thankful to report that my husband is doing much better and my daughter’s double curve has improved, as we continue on with treatment. Although anxiety and panic are still a struggle at times, Jesus helps me through. 

2024 is on its way and no matter what comes with it, let’s trust Jesus to lead our path. I would love to pray for you, please reach out if you need a friend.

Photo by Cullan Smith on Unsplash