‘Time takes its toll’. As you go through years losses pile up. People are no longer here. They go away. People you don’t like get into positions of power. People you do like are removed. Things you’ve always been fond of change. Good things from the past get farther and farther from you. The losses pile up until the mountain of things you have lost looks overwhelming on the horizon behind you, a weight it is hard to bear.
But bear it you can. There is always good on the other side of the ledger. New friends, new opportunities, old friendships grown stronger and deeper. The opportunity to find again things you thought you had lost and bring them into your life again. Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, sons, daughters, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, dear friends. As your grip on some things loosens and fades grab on to other things. They too are ‘worth it’.
It may sound corny, but every day brings a new sunrise and sunset. It brings countless interactions with others and countless opportunities to make the day a good one. The past is fixed, the future is what you make of it. Make it well.
May everyone laugh, love, live, cry, sing, dance – do all of those serious and silly things that make us all part of the same human family, yes even those you disagree with – at the core we are all more the same than we are different.
Things may be rough. The world may seem upended. Nothing is stable. All of that may be true. But ‘this too shall pass’. There will be a new dawn. Be ready to greet it.
And have yourself a merry Christmas, y’all.
One reply on “Christmas message”
Thank you Ryan, for your message of encouragement; something we all need in these messy, troubled and baffling times. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May the new year bring you health, happiness and prosperity.