Today’s Theme: Another year is ending…
No Chapter today, just a simple appreciation of a most interesting year coming to a close. 2024 has been remarkable in many ways – end of my time in the pulpit, journeys through past pastoral charges and discovering half of them all but gone, finding I can still ski & bike (while having to acknowledge that perhaps after seventy-two [72] years my golf game has not improved one iota), and realizing that ALL the grandkids are now adults.
This has also been a year of learning, which is always a good thing I guess. With the passing of a couple more friends as well as my Mother, it has become obvious that my circles of colleagues, friends and family have become smaller. Moreover, the number of people with whom I have deep conversations now is quite small and/or infrequent. This, coupled with the news that several people on the edges of my connections have been diagnosed with potentially fatal diseases, has brought into rather stark reality, that the days ahead are less than the days behind.
In this regard, and in a minute of reflection, I have also noticed that love too has become something in very rare supply. All past serious loves have either died or disappeared (or suffering from forms of dementia) – while that is a sad moment, it also is a revealing one. Since love is supposed to be eternal, when it apparently has dissolved, does that mean it never was? Thankfully love still exists in my life, and in very special ways (& connections) – so in an existential moment, I can say that 2024 has been an uplifting and regenerative year. And those who have had the most impact, are fully aware of their importance, so I shall not name you!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may 2025 bring you new wind in your sails, renewed vigour to your feet, exciting moments of love & true friendship to your heart…
In reflection,
g.w.