Month: December 2024

Best of Wishes

/ inkspeare

It is a windy and rainy day; I love days like this one. I can see leaves falling and hear the wind, as the raindrops hit the window glass. There is a mystifying and peaceful feeling about it, very serene. I feel tucked-in, secure inside, the warmth of home. I guess nature mimics that feeling, because all critters do the same; they are nestled in their habitats. On days like this one, one can help it but reminisce and hope for the promises of the new year. Soon, the holidays will be here and gone, and we are left with the expectation of a brand-new year, a fresh opportunity to do better, but in reality, every brand-new day is just that, a gift, a new opportunity. Whether to keep on going, to start over, or simply, be grateful for what is, it is a blessed gift. Some people say, “what matters is this moment;” but I think that what matters is what I do with this moment; we all have to live it, one way or another.

When we cease to exist, moments do not matter anymore; it all blends into eternity. I guess where we’ll spend it matters. Challenges come and go, dreams do as well. We live and give meaning and purpose to our living or we strive looking for it. If we find it, we count ourselves lucky, blessed; if we don’t, we search all our life, or feel cursed, not knowing that the mere act of living has purpose in itself, if we dare to see. Life reveals itself. It reveals its miracles every single day, and all of it in the midst of our challenges and blessings. The breath of the Creator is in every one of us. Every time that we open our eyes to receive the blessing of another day is reason enough, purpose in itself, to make the best of what we are given. Life will never be perfect, and there will always be challenges, ups and downs, the unexpected, and the undesirable, but with it, also the human God-given capacity to dream, to hope, to love, and to feel every second of our experience here, until we come home.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his face upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26

Wishing you a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a blessed new year.

Have I Loved Enough?

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

As the holiday season approaches, and nature prepares for a deep sleep, I reminisce about the year and mentally review what transcurred, blessings and challenges considered. I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude and humility, hope as well. Reviewing these events brings me a sense of grounding, but I also think of what I could have done better. I realize that at times, I should extend a bit of kindness to myself as to others. The hopeful outlook and anticipation of the new year set the stage for receiving what will be, whether challenging or not. One thing I ask myself is, have I loved enough this year? I realize the answer to that question will always be, “you can love more.” That is true for everyone. We can always extend our kindness and love more, each time being more understanding of others and less judgmental. Over the years, I have understood that I must strive to love everyone, whether I agree or disagree with their lifestyle or life choices.

God loves everyone the same, and I am not better in His eyes than another of His children. Yes, He doesn’t love me more. The same love He has for me, He has for the drug addict, the prostitute, the murderer, the rapist, the witch or the devil worshipper. In His eyes, they are also His children, and He wants them to come home to Him. His arms are always open for the ones who ask for forgiveness. Once I “understood” the immensity of His love for all His creation, I learned another dimension of love and kindness, one that is not so quick to judge, one of humility and understanding. It is under that humble approach that I ask myself, “Have I loved enough this year?”

Love and Light