in my little corner of the world, 2012 was a big year. we grew, achieved, took risks, succeeded. before i start making resolutions again, i want to pause in this moment to celebrate a few of my close friends. i’ve asked them to share 3 things they learned this year – some are personal, some are professional, all are inspirational. we always have something to learn from others, and sometimes you don’t have to look very far.
today we hear from elizabeth, a purveyor of simple truths who i can talk to for hours. she works for midtown fellowship, a church in nashville, and has had a successful year of starting new programs and growing into an exciting role there. she has also been working on a diploma for lay ministry in chicago, travelling there every few weeks. click through for three things she learned this year – i think you’ll learn something yourself.
year in review by elizabeth
I learned that it’s insanely fun and fulfilling to love people and encourage them in the pursuit of their dreams. In a way its kind of like you are participating in the development of the dream by way of development in the person. I’ve had the privilege of working with a few friends this year and I hope I get to do it for the rest of my life, theres nothing like it.
Most people are surprised when you really listen to them. Next time someone takes your coffee order or helps you at a retail store, ask them how their day is going and look at them while they answer you. You will be shocked at how quickly their demeanor changes and that they remember you the next time they see you.
I realized that to a certain extent I am a reflection of the people I spend my time with. The other day I was talking to some friends about a book I had just finished and later that day I was with some co-workers and one of them made the exact same comment on the book, word for word. Its rare to have people in your life that challenge and inspire you, that piss you off and make you laugh till you cry, that love you for who you are and all the different ways you explore your humanity. I consider myself lucky to have found a few of those people.
