_{*Quick Summary: The author recaps the year 2015.*}

2015 was an interesting year to be sure. I left the best job anyone could’ve asked for to pursue the unknown, had back surgery, and learned a lot about myself and others in the process. All-in-all, it was a good year. I don’t have any complaints. God is always good, even in the midst of things that might not have been what I wanted. I find God speaks to me more clearly when things aren’t smooth, probably because I rely more on Him then than I do when times are good.

Leaving the job at Hendrick Motorsports was planned back in 2014. I worked out a six month notice and trained my replacement. I still communicate with them from time to time on things, but as time goes on, the contact becomes less. It’s a great company that I was very fortunate to grow up in and around, and it is still a huge part of me. It’s likely nearly impossible to separate from something that you did for over 20 years, and I’ve found that to be very true.

Upon leaving my job, I expected some relief from the years of back and leg pain I’d experienced pushing cars and standing on concrete floors 8, 10, 12, 14 hours a day, 5-7 days a week. In reality, the pain began to increase almost immediately. I tried to rest for a while to see if it would improve, but it didn’t. It eventually got so bad I lost the ability to drive due to weakness and pain in my leg. The decision was made to do surgery on two discs, L3-4, and L4-5. That was in September, and as I write this at the end of December, I still have some lingering pain and weakness, but it is improving. At the least, I am capable of driving again. I feel I’m 80% of the way to feeling as good as I have in years, except for occasional days when my leg has a mind of its own.

I had a fairly high-profile job at Hendrick. Leaving it and the identity it provided was interesting. I always knew some people just liked me for my connection to the Hendricks, and the position I held being in charge of a building holding millions of dollars in collectible car inventory. When you go from that to being physically out of commission for a few months, it helps to clarify people’s intentions. People I thought loved me and would always be there let me down badly. It’s okay though as it just makes the remaining relationships that much stronger. Ultimately, I’ve learned through the years to trust only Jesus and myself, so it’s been educational more than painful. I see it as a good thing, as it helps me know who I can count on in tough times. Speaking of counting on people in tough times, I have the best parents ever! Period.

Through it all, my perception of myself hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s improved. I always knew I was more than my job, and this time off has proven that. Dealing with the constant pain certainly frustrated me for a while, but I never got depressed. I just don’t do depression any more, and this time has solidified that. I’m a positive person, and that has nothing to do with my abilities, my job, or anything else other than the promise Jesus Christ has given me. When you know how the story ends, it’s hard to get too upset if a single chapter of the book doesn’t read like you want.

2016 promises to be great! Things will start to come back together, and I’ll begin to use my knowledge and skills in a more productive way again. That’s something I’m really looking forward to after months of being physically restricted this year. Onward and upward!

Thank you for your support! Happy 2016!