Yesterday, I created some time to sit in a seaside cafe and reflect on the year that is almost over, and think about the year that is to come.
It occurred to me that almost exactly five years ago, I did the same thing and today my life is almost unrecognisable. I am truly thankful for all that has taken place in between.
Outside, the weather was wet and windy.
Inside, I was made warm by the heating and the coffee no doubt but more significantly, my heart was warmed by the mere writing of a list of things I am thankful for.
Here are just a few of them…
The kindness of my wife
Moving to the countryside
Tash & Rob’s wedding
A whole month in Italy
Lorenzo, Paolo & Salvatore
Steve Carell’s acting in My Beautiful Boy
My Beautiful Boy becoming beautiful again
30 years since I first believed!
My dear Mum (who always provides positive feedback)
Liverpool overcoming all odds to defeat Barcelona
Confirmatory, encouraging word about re-writing The Hearts of the Fathers
Gift of a car
Safe flights to various places & back
Time with Mark & Vanessa
Liverpool winning the Champions’ League
Redemptive meeting with loved ones
XCC Leadership weekend
Terry & Maria
Impacting workshops
Andrew & Wendy
Watching Liverpool win from The Kop with Isaiah & David for the very first time
The Marriage Course @ Home
All three children finding their way in the world
James Tetley
Mike & Dot
Lunches with Dad
James & Lou
A community of believers in Ashington
Patrick & Philly
I could go on, I really could…
I was so encouraged when I began remembering so many different things throughout the year.
You will no doubt notice that interspersed throughout my list are all the people I am enjoying getting to know, the people I have known all my life and some who I may never see again.
Without these people and many, many others like them, my life would not be worth living. With them, in whatever way and capacity it plays out, every single day has purpose.
Why don’t you make a similar list before the end of this year?
Once you have done that, turn your attention to 2020 and expect to get a vision for it as befits this year of all years?
