Reflection

I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions but I do look at a new year as a time for reflection. 2015 was an interesting year on many fronts. Not necessarily good interesting, but then again, maybe good isn’t the word I’m looking for.

There were many new things that I experienced. Whether they were good or bad,  I know not, but I have a certain perspective and gratitude as I look back and reflect.

I met Debbie Macomber and had lunch with her. When I think about that event my mind sort of goes tilt. Me? How did that happen to me? It was truly one of life’s most memorable moments.

I met an editor. We talked about my idea for a book. She liked it! Together we set a goal for 20,000 words for this book, but as I reflect on the last few months of this year, I see during this time of reflection the book taking a different direction. I will be able to use a lot of the 16,000 words I have already written, which is a good thing, but the book will now take a different direction, which is another good thing.

I lost my dear friend Jan to cancer. I wrote about when she told me she was preparing to leave. I miss her everyday and visit her grave site occasionally. The memories come flooding back without warning as I go along my way, driving pass the places we shared dinner, laughs and time to “catch up”. I think of our last conversation often. I know she is in a better place, and more importantly without pain. Jan was in a lot of pain the last 8 years. I’m happy for her now that the pain is gone, I truly am, but what I wouldn’t give…

I met a woman named Mary. The circumstances of that meeting are still vivid in my mind. I am ever sorting through the events that led up to that inevitable time of our meeting. It was a meeting ordained by God, of that I am certain. Some may think I place too much importance on this woman named Mary. That’s really not the case. I know it’s not her, but the words she shared, and the timing of it all. It just makes sense in a hindsight sort of way.

I wouldn’t have asked for a lot of events and situations that I encountered in 2015. I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy, however, I see the value in it all.

I will pause for reflection long after the last note of Auld Lang Syne has resounded on the year 2015. I will remember the lessons taught.

Hopefully I learned them well so I can carry them with me as I continue my reflection and my journey.