Thursday, December 29, 2016

outside looking in

Lewis talks about looking at Nature from outside today in A Year with C.S. Lewis.

And that brings us much food for thought. But the place where I land tonight is looking back at the year that we are just finishing up. 2016.

For most people I talk to, 2016 was a hard year. We lost many beloved actors and musicians. Many of my friends had serious illnesses, and many struggled with relationship and employments problems. I don't know many people who really enjoyed 2016. And most of us are looking forward to the year being over so we can hopefully enjoy 2017.

But looking back gives us perspective. Just like going to the Moon or to the space station allows us to see the Earth from a different angle. We see not just the struggles of the last year, which we experienced in full while living through it, but we see the beauty of the year, too. We see how God has been faithful to see us through it. We see how family and friends helped give us hope and joy along the way. We see that even though the year was not fun or pleasant, we made it through, and we learned.

Frankly, I'm glad the year is over. But I'm also glad that the year came and taught me so much, including how to be a better person.

Thank You, God, for perspective.

1 comment:

Julie said...

The year in general had its ups and downs but overall it was a positive year for me. I was able to travel to Rome and surrounding area and see things that I didn't even know could be so beautiful. We moved back to Texas, found the perfect home for us, and got to spend much needed time with Jeff. My weekly phone calls with Brian have been such a blessing. Bob was finally able to get the much needed care he needs from the wonderful VA unit here. His one knee has been replaced and he is mending nicely. I have had much needed time to reflect on my life and see such beauty that God has created. For all of this I have been truly blessed and I am looking forward to 2017.