Lessons of the year 2013—Carolyn R. Wilker

Like others in my circle of friends and acquaintances, I could write a gratitude post—which could also be a blessing post— and that would be alright, for the year is ending on a stronger note, business-wise, and it’s a good thing to be looking ahead. Instead I will write about what I’ve learned this year.

I’ve learned:

·        Using some of that time when business was slow, I did more writing which was also a good thing, because engaging the creative brain is a stimulus to new ideas. It also allowed time to redecorate the living room in our home, and while the upheaval is challenging, the putting back together in a new way is rather enjoyable.

·        Networking pays off, if we keep at it. New leads have come for work and speaking. We most want to work with those we know and trust. It's something people have known long before the Internet became a hive for social media.

·         Unexpected blessings come our way, new friendships and reconnecting with those we haven’t seen or spent time with in years. There have been new opportunities I had not thought possible only a few years before. A business owner in my networking group produced business cards, bookmarks and even Christmas cards for me, and the benefit of working with her was getting to know her much better and learning that her values and beliefs are much like mine.

·        Books I’ve read over the years have been a great asset in my editing work. Some of those projects have also stretched my thinking so that I am always learning new things each time I work with a writer.

·        As long as we are willing to try new things and engage in new activities and meet new people, we are the richer for it.

·        The more we work together, the better we do. I knew that before, but each year brings reminders and new situations in which we help our “brother and sister.” It comes in helping neighbours, friends and family.

·         Spending time with my grandchildren means looking at life through their eyes and makes me feel young, that is, if I’m not too tired after helping with their care.

·        And another thing I often need reminders of is God’s care: how he blesses us and works through others around us when we need prayer, work, and their friendship.

May the peace of the Lord be with you all as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s gift to us.

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12b