2018 was a year to remember…

2018 was my most challenging year to date. One of the things I've come to realize as I've grown older is that challenging seasons, while often painful, are memorable. When I look back over the span of my life's journey, the most challenging times were the times where I grew the most. That's a Christian cliche but it is also true. Challenging seasons are times of self-reflection and seeing what I'm really made of. Sometimes I'm disappointed in my raw material but sometimes I surprise myself with strength I didn't know I had or grace I didn't know I was capable of extending. 2018 was a year of self-discovery and unanticipated obstacles. It is extraordinary how much life filled this year. One year with so many life-changing events. I'm a different person than I was a year ago.

This time of year we hear about the top 10 of this or the best or worst of that. For me 2018 had as much good as it had bad so I've captured my top 10 as the most memorable events of 2018. In true top 10 form I'll start with #10 and work toward #1.

(10) Business expansion. We have embarked on an amazing new partnership that will exponentially grow our influence and bottom line. I'm incredibly thankful for this opportunity to increase our impact in our local community. In many ways it feels like we've been working fifteen years toward this moment and I'm enjoying the anticipation of this new challenge.

(9) Our youngest son entered Kindergarten. He is a blessing and a joy and he is thoroughly enjoying the school experience. The transition from pre-schooler to school-age is a big deal in our house and 2018 is the year that transition occurred. I love every minute of parenting this little boy and I look forward to watching him grow in 2019.

(8) 2018 was the year I discovered my prayer warrior sisters. I am incredibly thankful for women of God who see the world through the same lens as me. I am even more grateful when they put their faith into action. I had no idea how incredibly much I would need these sisters in 2018 and I am so thankful for a God who provides what we need.

(7) In late 2017 my husband Steve was laid off. It was a challenging few months as he looked for his next position. While opportunity grew at CDP and the right position failed to materialize in his industry, Steve joined the ranks at CDP in 2018. He will bring his talents and experience to help steer CDP into this new season. This was an unexpected path but has been a true blessing for CDP and our family.

(6) 2018 was the year we left our home church. It was a really tough decision that came with heartache and tears but it was the right one for our family. It was one of the clearest moments for me to see what I was made of and see how God works in even the toughest of circumstances.

(5) In the fall of this year I participated in a life-changing opportunity through Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business initiative. This program offered at Babson College opened my eyes to discoveries and information that will forever change how we operate CDP. I met extraordinary people and was challenged professionally in ways that are unmatched. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

(4) 2018 was the year I completed my Masters in Nonprofit Administration. This season of graduate school was an incredible time of reflection and learning. Completing the degree was on my bucket list but it also validated why the work we are doing with nonprofits is so incredibly important.

(3) My oldest son, Ryan, graduated from high school in 2018 and embarked on his college journey. Graduation is a rite of passage in many ways. As a parent I was met with the realization that my relationship with my son has shifted. We are working at figuring out the new relationship as we transition from parental authority to parental adviser. I am very grateful to have such an amazing kid with a good head on his shoulders.

These last two are so far above the others in terms of challenge and how they have forever impacted my life.

(2) I lost my oldest and dearest childhood friend to suicide. Wow. It's hard to write those words. Suicide is so pointless. So evil. It leaves those who loved the person so empty. There aren't words of consolation that are enough. There's no understanding it or being okay with it. You don't get over it -- it just gets different. Somehow we have to learn how to live with the not knowing, the regrets, the what-ifs. It has been incredibly trying and I'm still working through this one.

(1) My mom died. It was unexpected and a loss I don't really know how to bear. My faith holds that she is in a better place and she's in my future. I really believe that to be true. I'm not sad for her; I'm sad for me. My mom was my best friend, my confidante, my adviser. She understood me in ways no other does. She was wise and kind and generous. The hundreds of people at her funeral are a testament to the legacy she leaves. I will miss her laugh and her smile. I miss her listening ears and her wise counsel. Our family is strong and we have made it through the holidays without her but it's going to be a while before we settle into a new normal.

2018 was a memorable year for sure. I look forward to seeing what is in store for 2019. I hope it's lighter and filled with more happy than sad times. I hope I am able to make a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with. I hope we encourage, uplift and empower nonprofits to keep doing their good work. I hope we are able to expand opportunity for all people in the communities in which we work. I hope my kids learn and grow and become more of the people God designed them to be. I hope I am stronger, wiser and further down the path He designed for me. I am hopeful for what 2019 will bring and wish you much prosperity and success as you enter this new year of potential and opportunity.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP