Turning The Page: A Goodbye with Gratitude

 

"The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own' or 'real' life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life - the life God is sending one day by day." ~ C.S. Lewis

2024 ends today, in a few hours.

It was one great interruption, as I got to experience it. I finally understood a little of what David meant when he penned the words of Psalms 34 – "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Life took a downward turn rather fast early in February. In March and April, I was in the thick of the valley, not knowing whether I’d ever make it out. Thankfully, the rest of the year has been spent fighting to get back up, and I can confidently say I’m restored. Not without scars, though. Those are many, and some will take a long while to fade.

In terms of life lessons, it was a year that taught me to never take life and health for granted. You can have it one day and lose it the next.

Relationships, especially outside of your immediate family are really important. Nurture them with all the time and opportunity you have. Appreciate people in your life when they do you good, be there for someone who needs you, encourage someone who needs it, and spend time with those you love. It may be the only currency you can invest in at the relationship bank.

Today marks the end of a turbulent year for me. Tomorrow, the beginning of a promise. This year’s crisis has forced me to re-evaluate my life choices and there will be major changes come tomorrow. New focus, redirected effort, and different goals.

Unfortunately, one of the changes will be that Random Musings is retiring. I have yet to re-imagine what writing looks like on the other side, but when I do, I hope to let you know.

It has been 166 episodes of a weekly date since 31st December 2020. And on 31st December 2024, I formerly get to say thank you for faithfully reading my thoughts, musings, and ramblings. Thank you to those who have reached out with comments and texts, as well as to those I have talked to and met. Thanks for sharing – indeed some episodes were read by people I would never have had access to if it was not for those faithful ones who shared widely. I apologize for the few times I was late and thank those who kept the pressure to show up every Friday real.

As our closing quote suggests, I’m looking forward to a new hello. See you on the other side.

Happy New Year, 2025.

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” Paulo Coelho

 

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