New Years. Whew.
Last year I had my first New Years kiss but the excitement didn’t last long as shortly after I found my boyfriend hitting on other women. To add insult to injury… I caught my hair on fire. Seriously y’all. I caught my hair on fire. With all the hairspray I had used that evening my ‘do lit up like the fireworks in the sky. I left in tears without any semblance of dignity. And I smelled like a fireplace for a week.
It shaped up to be a banner year.
*Not so much!
What I didn’t know at the time was that evening was pretty much a snapshot of what my year would be. Not committed to good decisions, lonely, and catching myself on fire because I was standing dangerously close to the enticing flames of self-pity, self-loathing, and shame.
This year I went to the home of very lovely family friends. I was surrounded by family and loved ones. And I didn’t catch my hair on fire. Holla!! I have to admit that I thought twice about showing up. Part of me, a very large part of me, wanted to stay home alone. After the messy and painful year, I didn’t feel much like celebrating. While it’s easier to walk as a ghost, I really don’t want to be experienced that way. The Lord gently reminded me that my year didn’t all go up in smoke; I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends, a great job, and fortunate in so many ways. I am happy I decided to be present that evening. And it feels good to muster a laugh for 2014, the year I caught my hair on fire.
I’ve never been one for New Years resolutions. However, I’m feeling very cognizant of the desire in me to live 2015 leading with a different foot. I am filled with passion, and instead of being burned by that fire, I want to channel it into things that matter. I want this to be a year of rebirth and revival in my heart, body, and soul. There are opportunities just waiting for me to grab hold of them. Hope for connection, life and beauty. Philippians 3:13-14 has been speaking life to my heart the past couple of weeks.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
I may not look as apt as “Katniss Everdeen” as I fight through the flames, but this year I’ll be on fire for a different reason. And I know Jesus has an epic adventure in store.
 
Anna Hull lives in San Antonio, TX. A graduate of Schreiner University with a B.A. in Religion & Political Science, Anna is passionate about finding Jesus in every day life. She enjoys unexpected adventure, making genuine connections with others, and finding beauty in chaos.
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Dear Anna, I love your spunk, your determination to be on fire — not your hair, but your heart and your passion. I’m excited to see how you and God will light fires together.
Wonderful images. Keep writing! You write for all of us.
I love your hope filled post Anna!
Love this, Anna…all the best to you for 2015!