Over the last few days I’ve witnessed so many who’ve cursed or eulogized the last year; yes 2013. Instead of rejoicing in the 365 days of life God allowed them, they dismiss the gifts of grace in hopes of happenstance instantly or magically changing their circumstances.
What makes a person believe that the tick of a second-hand tock is going to erase the hardships, the failures, the could-have-beens, the should-have-beens and the never-have-beens?
Good things happen, bad things happen, terribly horrible things happen and yes; wonderfully fantastic things happen. This is what we call “Life.”
Were there hard times in 2013? Sure. After 14 years I still miss my mother. After 7 years and counting, I still cheerlead for my son with Down syndrome to live an amazingly fantastic life. Day after day I still watch my dad as the effects of diabetes and dementia take their collective toll.
This is called “Life” and it’s a gift; rejoice in it. Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
While attending a funeral recently, an 89-year-old gentleman graced me with conversation. In sincerity and optimism he looked squarely at me and said, “Chief, life is too short. Enjoy it.”
What do you say to that?
I thought about the many who hurriedly stowed away 2013 in hopes of better times, the comment I could not respond to on life’s brevity, and my own take on the passing of one calendar year to the next.
I’m going to be honest with you; am I where I wanted to be on several levels at the end of 2013? No, not at all.
– I wanted to increase my walk with Christ
– I wanted to be a better father
– I wanted to be a better son and brother
– I wanted to be a better friend
– I wanted to be thinner and healthier
– I wanted to not be so guarded
– I wanted to cycle more, and eat ice cream less (debatable)
Am I bitter? Have I plastered Facebook with admonishments over a 2013 unlived, have I darkened others’ days with tales of “unfairs” over the last year? No. Not at all. It was a fantastic year. It was a 365 day blessing of mercy that God gifted me. It was yet another year in my life well lived.
This is not an admonishment for pessimistic postings. It’s a reminder that if you think back over the course of the last year you will find;
- The bad things that could have been avoided, possibly required more of our time and attention.
- The horrible things that could not be avoided, we should be thankful that we’re still in this life to grieve, learn or recover.
- The good things that happened probably resulted from our hard work and dedication.
- The fantastic things that happened probably included someone else’s support along the way.
If you sat on your thumbs in 2013 waiting for what you thought owed and were disappointed, then sitting on your thumbs in 2014 will probably only result in much more soreness and even more criticisms come next New Year ’s Eve.
Don’t be so quick to eulogize the passing year for its failures, as they represent the “you” who experienced it. Instead, embrace the positive and learn from the each opportunity.
Failure is not getting knocked down. It’s refusing to get back up.
See you at the end of yet another superhero’ish calendar year 2014.
Scott
The Eulogy: 2013
Categories: Personal Perspective
This reminds me of something Joyce Meyer says a lot. When faced with not making the progress one expected of themself, she always says something to the effect of “At least you’re not where you used to be.” Though I’m not perfect yet, I know I’ve made great strides of progress since last year, and you have too, Chief.
Even though 2013 was pretty difficult, the challenge of it taught me something. It taught me a few things really, more than I ever realized at the time, and that’s way better and more valuable than having an easy year. God worked on me in 2013, and that’s worth all the trouble.
Thanks Amber. Isn’t it amazing to know God was working on you and in your life. He cares, we should too. Keep making forward progress.
Thank you Chief Silverii – beautifully said ! Happy New Year to you & yours!
Hi Donna and thank you so much. Let’s make it a wonderful year and God bless you
Awesome. Thanks for sharing and happy New Year!
Hi Chief and thank you. Happy New Year and God bless you
Another well-written article. Every day we wake up, is another day of trying to accomplish what we have set out to do. Take life one day at a time. Whether we are happy with 2013 or disappointed, I feel we could all do better if we trusted in God more than we do. Sometimes we experience good things and sometimes we experience bad things. That’s just life. So how do we cope and try to get through it? I feel that having a spiritual relationship with God helps each of us. We should always strive to do our very best in every task. We should make it a point to be kind and respectful to everyone we meet. Just doing these simple things can enrich your life. May everyone have a blessed and interesting 2014! God bless you all!