Goodbye 2023

2023 was indeed an interesting year.  As I look back on the year and reflect on this time, I do so with somewhat confusion.  It is a difficult year to put into words. 

There were so many painfully difficult goodbyes. Business relationships that ended and changes that weren't expected. New relationships were forged and with that their own challenges.

I celebrated my 50th birthday with a month long celebration.  An amazing trip to Cape Town seeing my favourite ballet, Swan Lake, was a dream come true. 

A lot of fun was had, but a lot of sadness was experienced as well. A dear relative passed on at a grand old age. 

Our weather was as confused as I was with snow this winter and early heat waves this summer.  

As I put these all behind me, and try to focus on the year to come, I am reminded of one key scripture:

Philippians 3:12-14

[12]Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

[13]Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

[14]I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

What that calling for 2024 will be, I know not yet, but one thing I do know for sure, if I place my hope and trust in Christ alone and listen to His voice, His guidance and strength will be my portion. 

So goodbye 2023 and thank you for all I've learned.  Hello 2024, I look forward to our time together!  

Happy New Year to you all! 

It's nice to see you!

This week was downright horrid!  Work was tough and then we ended up with being without power at home for 3 days.  To top matters off, the small bridge I cross from home on my main route to work started collapsing and the road was closed. 

By Wednesday evening, I was finished, physically and emotionally drained.  I arrived home and a few minutes later, the power finally returned.  Relieved but still out of food, I headed out to the store and decided to go to the small strip mall I frequented when I first moved into my home, as at that stage it was the closest one too me.  

Arriving at the mall I spotted my favourite Italian restaurant, and decided to stop by.  To my utter surprise, the waiter that served me was familiar and his greeting blew me away!  "Ah madam, what has it been...10 years since I saw you!". Wow! I was moved to tears (and still am) at the warmth and care that he showed me.  I managed to fight back the tears to enjoy a delicious supper, but the water works soon returned once I'd finished.

It was so wonderful to be missed and appreciated!  As a single women, I often feel unnoticed or appreciated in public spaces, but how this waiter treated me proved me wrong!  I left him a warm note of thanks, with a promise to be back and a hearty tip! 

We should never underestimate the power of the love and kindness we show each other every day!  Your smile, and warm greeting, may be the very lifeline someone needs to pull them out of the depth of despair.

This Christmas season, let us remember the joy we serve with and spread smiles and love to all we meet!!