Treasuring the Little Things

A Year in Reflection

As 2024 comes to end, I can’t help but ponder over the year. It’s amazing how much can happen in one year. It can feel like a lifetime and a flashing second all in the same moment. No matter the moment, fleeting or unending, God is constant and working. For me, there is much He has shown me, developed in me, and brought me through in 2024. In today’s post, I will talk about some of these moments and impacts from this year. 

Visiting Family

The first big moment is a carryover from 2023. I am still in utter shock at how God provided for me to visit my family. (If you haven’t already, check out my post, “The God who Provides,” for more on the story.) The time in late December and early January was refreshing and strengthening.

I was double blessed in how God provided for me to attend my sister’s wedding in May. Not only had God provided for half of my ticket to the states, He provided favor and extra days off from my job to be able to enjoy time with my family before the big day. It was a blessing and a treasure to be able to celebrate my sister and brother-in-law as they joined themselves in holy matrimony.

Oasis

Being with my family in the states was a tremendous blessing, which helped fill my cup to be ready to pour out in other areas God had called me. One of these places is Oasis. Oasis, for those unfamiliar, is a community center in Madrid that works with immigrant families, primarily from Bangladesh and Morocco. The center provides classes to teach English and Spanish to adults, an afterschool program for students, among other events throughout the year. 

Those closest to me know that my favorite place in all of Madrid is Oasis. Oasis has been one of the most unexpected blessings throughout my time in Spain. The first half of the year was no exception. I stepped into leading the English Club that we host for the adolescents. I was so nervous and anxious about stepping into this role. I felt unprepared and lacking in experience. Throughout the 5 months I led, I grew in confidence and in relationship with the students and other volunteers. Through the various other ways I served the Oasis community, my heart grew in understanding and broadening perspectives. My heart was crushed as my work schedule this fall did not allow me to return. I am beyond grateful for the time I did have and will forever cherish those memories.

Summer

My work at Oasis wasn’t the only place I was blessed in working with people from other cultures this year. During the summer, I was also blessed with the opportunity to work at a summer camp in Valencia. This camp was run by Ukrainians and gave me a unique opportunity to hear more of their lives and stories since the war broke out. I worked with both teens and adults, teaching English, but more importantly gaining a new perspective and appreciation in life.

Fall

As summer ended, I carried these lessons and renewed perspectives back with me to Madrid, where God continued to show His faithfulness in new and exciting ways. My housing situation in the spring wasn’t ideal and God provided a beautiful apartment, in my budget, that has become a safe place to rest and recharge. I have also had the privilege of pursuing a master’s degree in teaching at the University of Alcalá while teaching English to secondary students. I have been learning so much both as a student and a teacher. I love my students and am learning from them every day.

Community

So far, all the things I have mentioned have been more or less the big ways God has provided and moved in my life. However, more than all of these things, the biggest blessing in 2024 has been community. It’s the little conversations. The small moments I have had throughout the year with different people that have had the most impact. Conversations that challenged me. Conversations that have pushed me closer to God and that have encouraged me in weak moments. These moments reminded me that life is full of both joy and trials. It has been the actions of people reaching out to me. The time people have taken to surprise me. It has been the moments of laughter and celebration together. As well as the moments, when all we wanted to do was cry and so we did it together. 

These moments of connection—whether filled with laughter or tears—remind me of God’s design for community. As it says in Genesis, “It’s not good for man to be alone” (2). This truth has been so evident in my life this year, even in my current season of singleness. If not for my community this year, I would be in a very different place emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

There are many other things I could say about 2024. The ministries I have helped lead. The trails I have faced. But nothing stands out more than God’s provision once again in my life and for the beauty of being in community.

What about you? How has God moved in your life in 2024 and what lessons has He taught you?

Leave a comment below!

References

Endnotes

1. https://sojournsjourney.wixsite.com/my-site/post/jehovah-jireh-the-god-who-provides

2. Genesis 2:18

   
   

For more information on Oasis Center

• https://www.oasiscentermadrid.com/en/home/

• https://sigue.movida-net.com/oasis-center/

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