The Bitter Sweet

Dear Friend,

2024 was crushing.

It was a year of tremendous loss; first my mother in January, then my two little dogs over the summer, and then my father-in-law in the Fall.

It was messy. Grief always is. However, there was a wonderful blessing in the middle of the mess. I accepted an Adjunct position at a local university, which has been a dream come true. In late December, I embraced 2024 one last time for all the ways it shaped me, grew me, and brought me closer to my Creator. It was a hard, yet victorious, year. Bitter. And Sweet. Through the crushing, I found the sweetest joy. And I carry a new perspective. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for all the Lord has done in my life. I’m blessed beyond all comprehension. And I’m excited about the grand adventures ahead. I have some pretty big dreams. But you know what? The future will be messy too.

My friend, if we were sitting down to share dinner together, this is where I’d take your hand and say, I understand. I know how it feels to hide the pain and grief in your heart; how shame and confusion hunkers us down in the trenches and tries to isolate us from the outside world. I’ve experienced the panic that sets in because of the cruelty of this life. So, I won’t sugarcoat those sucker punches that leave us breathless. Life is hard. And I don’t have the answers to those deep questions stirring in your soul. But I know who can meet you right where you are. Jesus.

I pray that despite how life is trying to crush you, that you’ll know how much God cares for you. I encourage you to keep seeking Him for wisdom, comfort, and stability. Today is a new day. May you be richly blessed, divinely guided, and filled with His love.

Blessings,

Julia Kay