2026 a Preview

Hello to 2026!! 

Each year, I like to preview the year ahead (a tradition I started over 12 years ago), and here is what I am thinking...

2026:

* Finances: With the increases in the cost of living, I am no different than the rest of regualr Americans, having too much month and just enough funds. I want to pay off one debt in 2025, and also increase our cash stash for those emergencies that come everytime you aren't ready. 

* People that I know and love will pass away or suffer through illness. And it will also be my part to love and support friends and family who will experience loss and sickness this year. A prayer and kind word or deed, goes a long way in the dark days of grief. I will continue to send cards of sympathy which is becoming a lost art. 

* At work: A change is gonna come. I don't know who, what, when, where and why. Wait, I do know why, Thank you Trump adminstration booooo! I am allowing the year to unfold and I am opening my mind to opportunities.

* At church: My spirtual growth is not as great as in previous years. But my acts of faith and service are always growing. It's a season to lean on what I know and have been taught through God's Word. In this year I do pray our church find a full-time minister, it's been a long journey. God always uses our little for his great purpose. 

* At home and fostering: We had 2 placements in 2025. Each around the same age, but different in circumstances. I can't put into words how much we have learned. I have lots of teaching and education experience. I had no mom experience and that is something I had to learn with a quickness. We are grateful to share love and stabiliy through this journey. It is a journey though and the destination is not clear. 2026 be kind to the foster families, including our little family. 

* 41 will come and with it hopefully less burdens. 

For 14 out of 15 years  I have closed the same way, so here we go:) Take care, love others well and bring joy with you all 2026!

Now with all of that said I will say this.....2026 is a completely unknown entity. Sure, I know some things but they are so tiny compared to what I have no idea about. The key is to hold fast to God, have faith and grace, love my family and friends, and be the very best Sabrina Stewart Melvin that I can be.....that should not be too hard ( I am kidding) it will probably take me 365 days to kind of get it right!