As this year comes to a close, my heart naturally turns toward family. Not the picture perfect kind we see in highlight reels, but the real, living, breathing kind. The kind shaped by laughter and misunderstandings, long nights and quiet prayers, joy and deep growing pains. It is within this kind of family life that the year has quietly done its work on us.
Because of that, this year reminded me that family is not formed in ease alone. It is shaped in the in between moments. Moments when patience is stretched, when forgiveness feels heavy, when love has to be chosen again and again. Through the years, we have walked through seasons that tested us, moments that humbled us, and experiences that asked us to grow in ways we did not expect. And yet, here we are, choosing one another and moving forward with grace.
In light of all this, I find myself deeply grateful. Grateful for the people who stayed. Grateful for the lessons that softened us instead of hardening us. Most of all, grateful for healing that did not come all at once, but slowly and quietly. Healing that looked less like a miracle and more like daily grace.
At the center of this gratitude is my faith. It teaches me that God is close to the brokenhearted, gently shaping us through every struggle. I believe He works in ways we do not always see, weaving purpose even into pain. At the same time, I want to honor that healing can be experienced in many ways. Whether you find strength in faith, in community, or in simply choosing to hope again, that journey matters.
So, as we step into a new year, I hold space for both gratitude and growth. For honoring how far we have come, and for trusting that what we have been through has not been wasted. Family is still a work in progress, and that too is something to be thankful for.
May we enter the next year a little softer, a little braver, and deeply rooted in love.
Eljen, this truly defines you and captures who you are. I can feel your emotion. Love it. I agree, family is important, whether our children or extended families. This is a year of healing that will continue through the next year.
I’m grateful for my two girls and feel lost without them. I’m also grateful to our Tribe Rising community, as it serves as a reminder, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Healing can be experienced in many ways. .” And while this holiday season I wasn’t able to spend time with my loved ones like I intended because me and my love got sick. Upon reflecting, and looking back this year, I’m reminded by God’s beautiful blessings and the simple moments and growth I got to experience within my own family and extended family. Thank you for this beautiful reminder Eljen 💕