This week I was humbled and overwhelmed with the incredible amount of birthday love. It was a great week spent with family and friends. I also spent some time reflecting on what a year it had been. In retrospect, this has been one of those defining years in my life, the type of year that I will never forget. Here are the top ten things I learned (or remembered), in no particular order:

1. One day at a time is a mantra that will change your life, but only if you are courageous enough to surrender to it.
2. There is nothing passive about being still; it is really an active response to letting God be in charge.
3. If you don’t want to slip, avoid slippery places.
4. If you lead with love, even the toughest conversations can remain conversations rather than divisions.
5. Hebrews 13:6 – So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
6. Little girls are more opinionated than little boys, and there is nothing cuter in the world than when she smiles at me and says, “I luv you daddy.”
7. Accomplishing major life goals are a process of hard work, fervent prayer, and consistency.
8. Prayer in marriage is like oxygen to the body, essential to life.
9. My boys are a reflection of me: the good, the bad, and the scary.
10. I have an amazing wife.

Growth is a constant process of reflection and change. Thirty-three was great, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for thirty-four.

What lesson(s) have you learned this year? Have you taken the time to write them down?

Which lesson most resonates with you? Share your comments below!