Happy New Year

The year 2016 went by with a blur and new one is dawning... the past year had been a fruitful one and nonetheless a mixture of experiences. A year that had marked a milestone in our family, my eldest graduated from elementary and the youngest had turned seven years old.

There are two R's that I will use to describe the past year... and an R for the oncoming year.

 Reflection - this year had been a year of reflection for me, it reminds me to count all my blessings each day. To be thankful for God's provisions in my daily dealings, to take time to smell the flowers, to enjoy the simple things in life.. and not be bothered with minute details that can spoil the splendor of the moment. The past year had thought me to be appreciative of all loving family and friends around me, their simple gestures of sharing their precious time to lend an ear to listen to me or small act of kindness or even an effortless smile that greets you in the morning is way beyond any material wealth. The funny jokes that my kids share are truly a blessing to me. The happiness and love that my husband gives is a blessing in itself. This past months have also taught me to forgive and forget on others lapses, for who am I to keep grudges?... we should learn to forgive as our Father in heaven also forgives us. At the same time, the past year had taught me a lot to be a better person for the Lord.

Rekindle - this year was such a joy to me, reconnecting with old friends..from high school, rekindling previous friendships via the social media or personally meeting up with them. It is saddening also to think that although I have tried to reach out to some of them, to some close friends that I have rubbed elbows before, had kept the communication line a one way traffic only, but maybe through reasons beyond my control and understanding this friendship is meant to be like that.

 Restart- finally, after making a list of my to-do-list last January 2017. (Not resolutions). I had made a restart on my personal life, to focus on spiritual wellness and to include physical wellness as well. To start with a clean slate...to try something new for this year and to look forward to this year with renewed hope...

 as the song by Bill Gaither goes...  

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

Happy new year once again!