A Time of Reflection

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.“- Winston Churchill

As we enter the holiday season, please remember to take a few moments to reflect on the people and things in your life for which you are grateful. While things haven’t always gone the way that I wanted, or hoped, I have been very fortunate, and I am thankful. I have a close relationship with my daughter, which I value above all else; I have two golden retrievers that are always happy to see me, and shake with pure joy every time I walk through the door; I have family that loves me (for the most part), and have always been there when I truly needed them; and I have an amazing army of friends who support and love me, even when I feel unlovable. I have had an extraordinary career in a profession that has given me far more than I could ever give in return; and I have been able to pour my heart out into words on this very personal blog, which has gotten me through an extremely difficult year, with the loss of my father.  So thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my posts; I am also grateful for you!

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”– Kierkegaard

Reflection is the ability to “think things through” in order to gain insight into something that has occurred in the past; it allows us the opportunity to consider our actions and choices, and learn from them. It is in the quiet moments when I press the “pause” button and use thoughtful reflection to help process the good, the bad, and the ugly, and (hopefully) calm the mind and spirit.  I may not enter a church as often as I used to, but I pray every day and feel close to God whether I am in my house, or His. I appreciate each day and know firsthand that time passes quickly, and no one is promised tomorrow. I have “enough”, and I wish for you the same.

I wish you enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

(The copyright for this poem belongs to the author: Bob Perks)