Another Christmas, another season, another new year. Taking a glance backwards is appropriate at this time because it serves the purpose of reminding us of blessings, growth, loss, changes, and the most crucial thing that I am coming to realize: this too shall pass. Most is so temporal and it is terrible that so significant a thought as "make every moment count" has become so cliché.
I have had delightful Christmases, stressful Christmases, painful Christmases, and various kinds of anticlimactic Christmases. This, by far, was the most unique I have ever experienced. This time home was "home" in a deeper, more abstract sense. Home was not home because that is where my toothbrush is kept, my sleeping done, or even where I know where the silverware is. Home is the place where the familiar is precious (and pretty much taken for granted) and the sharing of moments delightful (because history is mutual). It is where comfortable is more in the atmosphere than location and where unconditional love truly resides. Never before have I been so overwhelmed by blessing and known gratitude as such a heartfelt reality instead of a passing sentiment. My friends, I am rich in all that matters; the grace of God is undeniable in my life. I deserve it not and receive it still.
'Tis the season for resolutions and this is the first year I can recall that I have none. Sure, there are some things that I would not mind tweaking and improving. However, they are all what I have been resolved on previous to the end of the year. All that I really want in 2008 is for my life to look like the transition it ought to: seven is the number of completion and eight of new beginnings. What needs to end can and the best shall be sealed in the treasure-box of experience. The dead and done can give way to the fresh and lively. It truly is all new this upcoming year and I am ready for it; I'm tired of the goodbyes and drastic endings that have occurred over '07. I graduated and that was the beginning of many ends, so many "lasts" for a season of mine. It became a catalyst for firsts, a foreshadowing for this next year as a time beginning. So here I am welcoming '08 with open arms, an open heart, and great anticipation. Surrendered, I stand.
Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.
- Tennyson
1 comment:
Thank you for a heartfelt and articulate sharing. I appreciate this blog, I crossed, just touring the blogs here in Redding.
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