During the day’s reflection, I pondered the completion of another trip around the sun and found myself standing on the threshold to another decade. It’s unfathomable I’ve moved through so many years. Yet, here I am.
Taking chances Isn’t that what life is about? Another journey around the sun. Out with the old, In with the new What does it mean to you?
The sun is shining, lighting up the land around me Blue sky intensifying the colors of the day A light breeze blows beckoning me outdoors Just as the new year beckons me to throw aside caution And enter with wild abandon into the unknown future
The future – …another year older …deeper understanding …new challenges and adventures await …refining or honing skills …giving up unrealistic expectations …savoring the gift of another day …tenderly holding precious memories …valuing relationships …acknowledging more, the power of God’s love …and learning how to walk more in this love
It is all a chance. A chance I take willingly.
Out with the old, In with the new What does it mean to you?
Traditions Just the word evokes many thoughts Different for each of us Impact of these thoughts is equally dissimilar Some individuals become melancholy Others upbeat and joyful
The word suggests something one can count on Yet in truth, traditions reflect change
My granny baked an abundant assortment of cookies Enjoyed by all, with each of us having our favorites I took my favorite and ensured it was made every year Thus, my children were introduced to my favorite for the Christmas season Then their children delighted in these same little delicate sweets
Each of these children have carried some traditions from my home to their own Adding new twists and turns creating something unique for their families
No littles at my house for the holidays Yet these little green trees still get pulled from the oven to be enjoyed by others An adult grandchild, with children of her own Requested her gift be a box of these cookies for her family
I smile How my granny would be honored to know These little gems she so readily baked Are still being enjoyed five generations later
Drag containers from storage closet. Items stowed away from last Christmas Lie wrapped in tissue, carefully packed in these boxes.
Fire is crackling and flames dancing In preparation of merriment.
With the opening of each box and the unwrapping of each item Memories spring to mind. All those years of exchanging ornaments reveal remembrances of friends and family. I smile, as peacefulness fills my soul. This tree during the holiday season represents my lifetime.
And what a lifetime it has been Crossing oceans, living in multiple communities, moving more times than I can count. Memories abound from each of these locations. Yet it’s the friends which exist in all those habitations, And our camaraderie that fills my life with encouragement and joy Which I savor the most.
Ah, friends. Years and physical distance may have us parted But this evening you are here with me Celebrating another holiday season.
I’ve found myself often thinking of friends and recognize how much I appreciate them.
Friends, you are a blessing to me.
I saw this posted on a board at an art gallery. There was no name associated with it. The words ring true in my life, and I hope they will in yours as well.
Journey to the Heights 