2015: We Hit the Ground Running. The Marathon, It Continues...

I haven’t written anything for a few months.  I figured January 1, 2015, would be as good a time as any to briefly recap our year.  And what a year it has been.

I’ve always found year-end resolutions to be fascinating.  I don’t have anything against New Year resolutions.  I’ve seen people accomplish great things while using January 1^st as [the starting line]. 

The average American will see approximately seventy-eight birthdays.  You probably started subscribing to the idea of yearly fresh starts in your thirties (men and women vary, of course).  Usually around the time when you’re trying to figure out whether or not your life accomplishments have made an impact within your social circle.  

We all do it.  This isn’t a slight against what it is you do.  I do it as well.  We’re always searching.  Always looking to fill that void.  With love.  With health. With service.  With religion.  With whatever it is you find value in.

I suppose this is the reason why I am fascinated by the idea of a “new start.”  Another chance.  There are so many different interpretations as to what this might mean.  This became blazingly clear as I scrolled through all the year-end posts on social media last night.  All of which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, by the way!

A fresh start, for me, is wholly intertwined with my faith in Christ.  So I see one starting line and one finish line.  Everything in between feels like milestone markers.  There are failures and victories.  Joy and sorrow.  Just like everybody else.  I see the end result as beautiful. Something to encounter fearlessly.  Courageously.  What we live for.  Saturated in grace and forgiveness.  Mercy.

I have to admit, 2014 demands a look back because our family endured and persevered through so much.  Our son, Elden, went through two heart surgeries.  We spent the better part of the first few months living at Children’s.  Heather made the decision to focus on a career in medicine.  Our daughters have reached scholastic milestones related to speech and general social skills (they’re getting so big).  We have uncovered some of Elden’s 22q setbacks and have taken the appropriate steps to get ahead of potential problems associated with those setbacks.  I transferred assignments at work and tested for promotion in December (we’ll see if it happens).

Oh, and we celebrated Valentine’s Day, our wedding anniversary, and Heather’s birthday....(Never forget, fellas).

We have so many reasons to celebrate.  I am so thankful for our victories. 

I would be lying if my failures haven’t weighed equally on my mind.  I don’t feel that it is necessary to list my transgressions here today.  But it is important for you to know that I see my opportunity for great improvement as a father, husband, son, brother, co-worker, and friend.

I want to take this moment to say that there are many of you who are true inspirations to me.  Some of you are service members [military, law enforcement, and fire].  Your service is under-appreciated by many, and you deserve unending [thanks].  Please accept my sincere, humble “Thank You.”

Others offer humble service to the community through church or charity work [with humans and animals].  Your selflessness in this area is, again, under-appreciated and largely unnoticed by those of us who are caught up in the day-to-day business of life.  Including me.  The world would be a better place if every American took a little spare time to care for the less fortunate or help to fix a broken community.  I have no doubt that one of these days, the nation will see how rewarding selfless service can be.  And there is no doubt in my mind that you are impacting those you serve in such a great way.

This doesn't mean everybody else is below a hearty [thank you].  I know so many of you who give every day your best shot.  Making a difference at a micro-level.  You are just as valuable as all others.  Because every soul you touch is worth saving.  Care packages for service members, some spare change for the homeless, holding the door open for others, placing a phone call to loved ones for a special occasion, or being there for a friend who needs you.  You are valuable beyond words.

So, in a way, this is me bidding [farewell] to 2014, and welcoming the New Year, 2015.  Chapter thirty-six, for me.  Wait, how old am I?  Many of you have made some great resolutions.  I wish you the best of luck, and Godspeed. 

Raising my mug {of coffee} to all of you today.

Happy New Year! 

From my family to yours.  

Steven