As 2021 exits not-so stage left, I remember my late mother’s steadfast faith and her frequent reminder that “time takes care of everything.”
She was so right. Time allows us to look back on what we’ve lived through – doors that opened at just the right time, battles we won, battles we didn’t even have to fight. And, all of it because of God’s grace.
I’ve witnessed proof of Mom’s wisdom countless times. And, I have lots of stretch-and-grow marks that reflect the gift of time and the power of God’s grace . . .
. . . From being a shy kid, to playing piano solos for hundreds of folks at a time
. . . From growing pains as a young wife, to being happily married for 23 years and counting
. . . From uncertainty as a first-time mom, to trusting that we could expand our late-40s-sandwich-generation lives for baby #3 (and did)
That’s just a tiny sample, and I’m sure you have your own. Reflecting on moments over time and remembering God’s grace through it all especially help me on tough days. And, let’s face it: 2021 gave us a bunch of tough days (#pandemic). We’ve had to push through a LOT. And it seems that 2022 will require more pushing.
Like every December 31, we don’t know what the new year will bring our way. But, I’ll keep trusting in God’s abundant grace as time takes care of so much. And I pray 2022 brings you incredibly beautiful moments through God’s grace and time’s gifts.
xo,
Karin
stretch & grow 
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Karen such a humbling passage that profoundly hits home. Although we are 3 days into the new year I hadn’t fully embraced moving into 2022. I’ve kinda been on the fence looking back at 2021 perplexingly, and cautiously eyeing 2022. After reading your post I think I’m ready to “stop straddling the fence” and jump into 2022.
It’s amazing how God uses others to gift us with Grace, and the faith to move forward. Thank you Cousin for such a beautiful and inspiring, “Grace and Time” reflection!
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Melvin, trust me when I say that I get it. 2021 was, as our teens would say, “sus” (suspect … lol)! Last year was enough to make even the most optimistic among us side-eye 2022. A lot of folks are asking if 2022 will behave. All the more reason why I cling to wisdom like that of my mom. Sometimes you just gotta intentionally seek some extra optimism and hope. You’ve got this, cousin! We love you all and pray God’s abundant blessings on you in 2022, xoxo
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Beautifully written, as always.
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Rebecca, I’m sending my sincere hugs of gratitude for your encouraging, kind note. Thank you so much for reading. 🙂
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Your words touch me in a way that you will never know. Truly grateful for your gift of writing. I look forward to what God has in store for you and the world. Such a blessing. Thank you🙏🏽
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I’m grateful for YOU, Cass! I love you and appreciate your loving encouragement always. Keep your head up, and know that you have a whole crew lifting you up every day in our prayers for joy and peace, xoxoxo
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Your words touch me in a way that you will never know. Truly grateful for your gift of writing. I look forward to what God had in store for you and the world. Such a blessing. Thank you🙏🏽
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Thank you for being such a blessing to me and our family. I feel so blessed to call you cousin/sister/bestfriend! Although 2021 has definitely made us stretch and grow, it has also made us know and at times remember “Grace, Kindness and Mercy”…. a staple in the “Sykes” household and to all Sykes offspring. Thank you for being consistent with your actions, words and as well as your character… the world truly needs this on the regular. I am so proud of your strength & wisdom and to those that were blessed to share space with your Mother know where your gift comes from! Keep blessing the world with your gift as well as myself and our family…..may your words and light ALWAYS shine as beautiful and as brilliant as you are!!! Thank you for simply showing up…. LOVE YOU BEYOND WORDS….Erika
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Sending my biggest mama-bear hugs to you, my sweet and only Erika! Your love and words mean the world and more to me. Yes, 2021 was a doozy and then some. And, I especially thought of all that you and my Houston fam endured with strength and love while writing this piece. You inspire me. Don’t ever doubt it. I love you tight and thank you for taking the time to read and share. XOXO always!
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Thank you for the reflection
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Traci, thank YOU for reading. Blessings to you and your family in 2022!
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THANK YOU for posting and sharing. You emit such positivity that is contagious. Thank you for taking the time for being here for us – I realize carving time is not easy these days with all that you juggle. These posts do go a long way – at least in my heart. Happy New Year! Prosit Neu Jahr from Austria!
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Karin, what a blessing you are always! Your friendship and support mean so much – especially so across soooo many miles away. Sending you my hugs and gratitude!
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Love!!!! Happy New Year family!!!
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Happy new year blessings to you all too, fam! And thanks so much for reading and leaving a note! We love you and pray God’s abundant blessings on you in 2022! xoxo
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Perfect! Happy New Year! Peace and Joy! Love Daphne & Tim
Sent from my iPhone
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And right back at you both! We send our love and very best wishes for a healthy and joyful new year! xoxo
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