I’ve never thought much off New Years. I’ve never been invited to the big house parties or felt that much of an urge to go. I’ve never seriously made a New Year’s resolution. I’ve never really even thought, “This is the year my life’s going to change!”

It’s always been just another day.

This year’s different though. At the end of summer, 2011, Gods changed my life. He transformed my heart and FINALLY, I felt like I belonged. I felt like I could do wonders for his Kingdom and actually follow through with all my promises. I could look back on this year and point out many things that could have defined it. I could choose a happy memory with friends to remind me what this year was all about or remember some of my greatest disappointments to remind myself what next year can’t be about. But it all pales in comparison to my God.

 Nothing seems quite so important, amazing or heartbreaking when placed beside him.

I don’t have a New Year’s resolution because as things stand, this really is just a new year. 2011, however, brought a new beginning. I found my faith, lost human love and gained so much more than I could ever have imagined. Before 2011, the only thing I truly hoped with every New Year was that I’d finally get it right. I’d finally say THE prayer that I’d always follow through on – the prayer that would spark a complete change in quiet time consistency, perseverance in prayer and sincere faith.

Now that I’ve gained that, what more could I ask for? Sure, I could hope that I’ll get into the University course I want but even that seems so small when I think about the woman God’s shaping me to be. She may not be meant for University. She may find herself living in mud huts, surrounded by foreign voices and new worlds.  I’ve come to discover that I’m much more than just a 17 year old girl. I’m a faithful servant and a miracle in the making. I can’t foresee what 2012 will bring but what I do know is that I won’t be experiencing it alone. I’ll never feel alone again.

Thank you Lord for everything you’ve done this year. I feel so much better about life now – about myself. I’m not searching anymore because you found me. It’s sad to leave 2011 behind but 2012 is the year it all started right. I’m spending tonight with my closest Christian friend and we’re entering the New Year in a way that counts, laughing, praying and reminiscing. We both faced hard times this year, along with all our friends – but somehow, God makes none of that matter.

Sometimes, the greatest changes aren’t the ones everyone notices straight away. It’s a gradual, internal process - and for me, this was the realisation that I wasn’t tainted by past failures in trying to follow Christ. In fact, I felt motivated to tear away things that would hinder future endeavours for him. I finally understood why I was even saved in the first place – so I would never have to struggle alone or let my mistakes define me.

I thought for a while that I’d feel saddened by all that’s happened this year. Instead, I’m sighing with relief. Everything God brought me through has been leading me up to this point, and many more like it, in 2012. It was all worth it in the end if it means being able to enter 2012 saying “God saw I was ready – he tested my faith and I trusted him”.

I’m embracing you, 2012 – but I think you’d better brace yourself for this child of God. I’m planning to make an impact – are you ready?