Because Sometimes, Change is Good

Where did the year go? For me, it was truly a whirlwind that swept me in many directions, expected and unexpected, some good, some not so good; however here I am, thankful for it all, and looking forward to next year experiences, whatever they might be. It is life; it means I am alive and open to God’s plan for my life. This is my last post for the year, and I was not sure of what to write to end the year. I did not want it to be another holiday post, so here I am, winging it. Just think of it as a conversation from the heart.

Sometimes, we let ourselves be influenced by others, whether that be media, friends, family, acquaintances, influencers, groups, religion, politics … You name it. Everyone has anything to say about how we should live and plan our existence, but when we think about it, nobody really has the answers. Life is given to us to experience and fulfill it, one day, moment, second at a time. When you think about it, it is beautiful. We were presented with this gift that we did not ask for, and we have the freedom to live it. Whatever things are thrown in the package, it is all ours to make something of it. We are all one big conglomerate in the human race; we all want to live a happy and peaceful, joyful life. We are more similar than not. Hate is a disease, it is sickness. Love is a cure. We decide. We might be influenced, negatively or positively, but we decide. We decide how to act, react, and what to let into our life, what we give our attention to, and how we live day by day. In the end, we only have this day, and sometimes, not even a full one; our seconds are in the hand of our Creator, but so are our blessings. Does it really matter if someone else has more than you? or if you did not meet your goals this year? Does it? When I think about it, and in the big scheme of the journey, it truly does not. I don’t know how long my journey is, no one does, so why not choose love over sickness, inner peace over discontent, gladness over bitterness, and hope, especially hope. The journey is meaningless without hope, and faith.

I hope that you embrace the holiday season and next year with hope, faith, and at peace with yourself, the rest will come when it needs to come. When God made you, he knew who he made, but also, your journey. Your journey is not meant to be stationary; it is meant to be full of change, and change brings growth, knowledge, and understanding, and with understanding comes kindness, and with kindness, love. In that sense, change is good.

I wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and may next year be filled with the kind of blessings that only come from above, the best kind, in my opinion. Merry Christmas! God bless you all.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ)

Best of Wishes

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

Have I Loved Enough?

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?”