Dear 2024,

You were unexpected. A lot of words could describe how I felt about you! Angry, bitter, happy, peaceful. There were magical moments and hurtful moments. Moments where I couldn’t believe that this was my life. I think Charles Dickens was on to something with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” You truly were the best and the worst.

2024, you ended more things than you began. The end of a job, the end of friendships, and the end of a community. But in its place came new opportunities, stronger friendships, and a greater sense of belonging. I have never felt more lost and more found!

2024, you took me back to the basics. The basics of family and faith. I was forced to go back to where it all started and was reminded of Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. 

2024, you left me with a lot of questions. Big questions about faith, the Church, and religion. I don’t have a lot of answers yet, but I know there is a lot of space in 2025 to find some. I know without you 2024, I wouldn’t be who I am now. Thanks for the memories and the countless hours of therapy!

2024, go eat dirt. You were a year and I am very excited about the promise of 2025. And for those of you who read to the end of this first blog post…welcome to honest thoughts of an ex-reverend, mom of 3, and small business owner.

Cheers to 2025!

Later friends,

E.Z.