Another liturgical year comes to a close today, and with that, we reflect on this past year: the Year of Mercy. I am so grateful that Pope Francis had the foresight to give us such a focus this past year, because as many of us have expressed throughout the year, 2016 was kind of the worst. It wasn't bad for me personally, but so many of my friends had trying years and our country and our world certainly suffered a lot: from the deaths of some treasured artists like David Bowie and Prince, to earthquakes and floods, to the Syrian refugee crisis, to the "dumpster fire" that was this presidential election. So I am grateful that Pope Francis gave us this focus of Mercy ahead of time and I pray that we can carry that focus into the new liturgical year.
I rang in the New Year as I often do with some of my besties...this year in NYC!
Then I went to Philly to celebrate one of my original ride or die's 35th bday! (Little did we know we'd be taking an adventure of a lifetime together later this year!!)
I got to sponsor this new favorite into the Catholic Church
And I celebrated my 35th with friends and lots of HATS!
I went to Vegas and got to visit one of my favorites in CA
And we celebrated the life of a dear friend who was gone too soon...we still miss you, Steph.
I finished out my first year as a Middle School teacher with an amazing staff at a school that I love!
I went home to Ohio for a week in the summer and got to have fun with many of my cousins...
More family and cousins :)
And was reunited with college friends in the land Down Under!!!!
New Zealand/Australia 2016!!!
I was inspired and challenged by the Year of Mercy and participated in my first Art shows!
I wore my 8th bridesmaid dress and celebrated the wedding of two of my best friends...
Today is the Feast of Christ the King which ends the liturgical year and so I post yet another "Year in Review." Again, 2016 was pretty alright for me, but I continue to pray that Mercy will guide us into Advent even though the "doors of Mercy" are now shut. We need Mercy now more than ever, so I will continue to carry this year's theme with me into the new liturgical year.
And ended the year with a quick trip from the 'rents in RVA!
So I have much to be thankful for as we close out this year and look towards Advent. I have no idea what 2017 will hold, but I'm finding being in the present moment much easier as I get older. I know that 2017 will bring blessings and challenges, but I am grateful that I have so many loved ones to encounter these blessings and challenges with. I am excited for new opportunities, new ways to grow closer to others and the Lord. Bring on Advent and the new year!
Happy New Year!
Peace,
Julia
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