Whenever a new year dawns upon us there is so much revelry and rejoicing and partying and the making of resolutions. We view the New Year as a time to start a new beginning; a chance to become better as a person, to take challenges we have been too fearful to approach before. As our thoughts become primarily retrospective we are all too aware of how short and precious our lives are. I have heard elderly people comment, "I have more years behind me than I do before me"; However, the truth of the matter is that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. The proverb tells us to eat, drink, and be merry but not at the expense of forgetting our God and our neighbors. I see myself as a fortunate man. I have a loving and understanding family, I have friends who I can talk to and pray with and discuss my thoughts with. And if our opinions differ, we can still continue in a solid relationship that is based on respect and sincere love. Friends, true friends, will not chide you for your beliefs. I have the greatest friends who honour my need to maintain a peaceful and stress-free environment. For this I am very thankful.
The morning is quiet and serene. We had a bit of rain last night or early this morning and it has caused a tranquility to blanket the entire neighborhood. My David is home with me today. He made his own breakfast all alone this morning, (under my supervision, of course). He made pancakes, ham, and apple juice. I love him so much and it is a blessing to see him excel daily after the doctor's despondent diagnosis of autism at age 2. Many who have met David will agree that he is, indeed, an awesome child. He will be 14 this month.
As the Chinese proverb mentions at the beginning of my writing, the true miracle is walking on this earth. It is not an easy feat. Some people are never able to muster the courage to step out into life. Yes, the world is unpredictable, harsh, big, mean, and a host of adjectives I do not have the luxury of reciting at this time, but you get the picture. To those of us who have crossed over the threshold into living on this earth we have found that the utmost faith and belief in God is the beginning of our success and survival on this earth. It is not an option, it is a prerequisite. On our journey we will also come into contact with both good and bad people. We will have an immediate inclination to dismiss the very memory of our bad relationships, but as I learned in the military "we can learn from bad examples as well as good examples". My prayer today is a simple one: I pray that all of my friends will slow down their breathing today and savor the richness of their lives. Touch others as if you will never see them again after today. Let your kindness and giving supersede even your own expectations. Do not look at the material possessions you possess for they will hinder you in your giving, but instead, believe that the earth is the Lord's and all that is within. He will provide your every need. I recently witnessed this truth with my own eyes this past weekend, as well as several others. God will take care of us as we care for one another.
I am long-winded today, but what the heck. It's Friday. I love you all.
Dennis
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