So I’m not sticking with the theme this week. I will definitely work on that in 2010. But for today I want to reflect on where I was 10 years ago at this time. In one word, Y2K. Well, if that’s a word.
I was a single mom in a ministry that was a bit apocalyptic (ok, maybe I’m exaggerating, but only a little). Seriously though, we were strongly “encouraged” to create emergency survival kits. Of course with my bent toward organization I was elected as one of the organizers for my roommates. I had emergency drinking water in silver packets, along with an extensive list of other supplies, including a space blanket, pocket knife, and toothbrush. And despite all my frequent moving around the country in the last decade, I still hung on to my kit.
Being a single mom in my twenties with a five-year-old, I was concerned about what we would do in the case of an earth-shattering event. I didn’t really believe it would happen, but I also couldn’t completely ignore it.
As 2009 comes to a close, I find myself going through my old emergency survival kit and throwing out toothpaste that expired eight years ago, tossing out water that expired five years ago and don’t even ask what the fruit roll up looked like ten years later.
As I reflect back on the last ten years and how far I’ve come as a person, I have to smile. It seems like another lifetime. I’d like to think I’m much wiser and more balanced when it comes to “threats” like Y2K. I’m less inclined to buy into hype and hyperbole from anyone.
Personally, I cannot believe how much God has worked in my life to bless and transform me. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I marvel at what has already taken place. My hope and prayer is that the next ten years will be characterized by greater joy, contentment, and love.
What am I packing in my “survival kit” for the next decade? Here are just a few things: my camera, moleskin notebook (never leave home without one), iPhone (music, podcasts, Kindle books, notes, etc.), lots and lots of images, glasses (ugh), favorite books, Bible, and memories of a life I never imagined I’d be living.
Where were you ten years ago? Where do you hope to be ten years from now? What’s in your survival kit for the next decade?
Manual: Last page—since it’s the last day of the year, I read the last page of my manual.
Images: Gordon Parks book Half Past Autumn. Stunning, inspiring photography.
