I also started 2012 as brand new mom. Nicholas was just shy of a month old at the new year, and though I was exhausted from my c-section, I was eager to learn my new role as a mama. I began to navigate the waters of newborn sleep "patterns" (ha!), the identity crisis that comes with being a stay at home mom, and my new job as the caretaker of a tiny human being.
Though I had barely any words to say to Him, God poured words of truth over me. As my heart for my tiny new son grew and grew, I began to discover God's giant heart for me. As I delighted in Nicholas' first smiles and coos, God showered me with how much He delights in me. It was as if God was mirroring His love for me through the love I had for Nicholas.
In 2012, I wasn't given new life just in the form of my son; I was also given a renewed spiritual life. God gave me new dreams, and restored some that I truly thought were gone forever. He healed my wounds, taught me to trust Him again, and reminded me of my purpose.
As 2013 dawns, I am a completely different person than I was a year ago. It sounds cliche to say - but in this case, it's totally true. It's not like I'm suddenly perfect now, far from. But I am so grateful for the life I have in Jesus. And I am here to boldly say that JESUS MAKES ALL THINGS NEW. The impossibly broken things, He heals. The dead things, He brings to life.
If you're starting 2013 broken, tender, and bruised - there is hope. If you praying that somehow God can use you in the middle of your mess - He can. You are loved. You have a purpose. You are more than your mess.

Thank you for your beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes. You're blog is always so uplifting. :)
ReplyDeletehappy new year Mackenzie!
ReplyDeleteMackenzie......
ReplyDeleteI think you wrote this today just for me.....thank you!! I am a mess; I am beaten and bruised and your post today was encouraging and uplifting. I would appreciate your prayers.
Virginia
Mackenzie, your Jesus posts always make me want to do a happy dance around the room!! You remind me of all the the ways He's been so stinkin good to me, too, and I can't help but get all excited at the memories :) He DOES make ALL things NEW!!! God bless your new year!
ReplyDeleteYes! So thankful that we are more than our mess and that God redeems and renews and brings life to the dead places. Thanks for sharing your journey this past year in motherhood, and trials, and identity. Excited to see what God does in and through your life is 2013. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. YES! He makes all things new! So thankful. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! Such a beautiful post. God has never been more evident, or present, in my life than 2012. Looking forward to 2013 to be another banner year! Praying the same for you.
ReplyDeletexo, Sarah @ One Sweet Tuesday