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- Dec 18, 2008
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We are leaving another year behind and setting off on our paths to a new one - 2021. I suppose a lot of us think back over the old year - our accomplishments, the good things that happened, and the not so good. Life sends us speed-bumps and trials, and I believe it's not what happens to us but how we deal with them that matters. I can't say I've handled every pothole in the road of life well, but I've learned a few things, and hope I've grown somewhat along the way. Though not everything turns out as we always expect, the truth is we made it through another year - older now and, hopefully, a little wiser.
In thinking back it's the things I didn't do that puts a hitch in my giddy-up, but we can't dwell on what 'might have been' or missed opportunities. It's not always easy to recognize every opportunity that comes along, but I like to think we get a little better at seeing them when they arise - experience can be a good teacher if we but listen. It's the valleys and mistakes in life that teach us the most if we're open to the lessons they bring.
So a new year stretches before us, and may we have grown enough to respect the trials that come along for what they are - opportunities to grow stronger if we don't lose hope. God is big on hope and it's mentioned often in His book, and hope is the one thing that should keep us going - the hope of a better tomorrow. As Tolkien wrote in 'Lord of the Rings' and the part of the poem I have in my signature -
'Still round the corner there may wait,
A new road, or a secret gate.'
None of us knows what tomorrow might bring, and time and tide happens to all. May we remember the past for the smiles and lessons it's given, but let us not dwell there and instead look forward to what a new year will bring. My prayer for myself and all of you is that God grants us the courage, wisdom, and strength to meet each day with hope in our hearts and a smile - for of such things dreams are made.
Happy New Year, everyone, and may 2021 be a blessed year for all of us.
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In thinking back it's the things I didn't do that puts a hitch in my giddy-up, but we can't dwell on what 'might have been' or missed opportunities. It's not always easy to recognize every opportunity that comes along, but I like to think we get a little better at seeing them when they arise - experience can be a good teacher if we but listen. It's the valleys and mistakes in life that teach us the most if we're open to the lessons they bring.
So a new year stretches before us, and may we have grown enough to respect the trials that come along for what they are - opportunities to grow stronger if we don't lose hope. God is big on hope and it's mentioned often in His book, and hope is the one thing that should keep us going - the hope of a better tomorrow. As Tolkien wrote in 'Lord of the Rings' and the part of the poem I have in my signature -
'Still round the corner there may wait,
A new road, or a secret gate.'
None of us knows what tomorrow might bring, and time and tide happens to all. May we remember the past for the smiles and lessons it's given, but let us not dwell there and instead look forward to what a new year will bring. My prayer for myself and all of you is that God grants us the courage, wisdom, and strength to meet each day with hope in our hearts and a smile - for of such things dreams are made.
Happy New Year, everyone, and may 2021 be a blessed year for all of us.
.
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