There are times one looks back on their life.
In these times, we feel mixed emotions reflecting on all the highlights of comedies and tragedies and joys. Altogether, we deepen our understanding of who we are today, enlightened by how our identity is shaped by the threads connecting back to each experience—good and bad.
Then there are all those whose presence made those experiences what they were. When you think about it, it's quite incredible how many different lives have directly touched yours over all the years. And for those closest, we can look back at their companionship at the various stages of our life—the relationship itself being a dynamic element. There’s so much gratitude for each of these individuals, because in even the worst times, at least we were not alone.
In looking back, we can enjoy an enriched appreciation for all this life, all we’re made of, all those who helped make us—and Who helped make us.
We never know how the Great Weaver will sew the threads of our relationships.
I have a cousin ten+ years younger. We weren’t close as children—and then not in touch at all for 15 years. Then we reconnected, discovered our complementary interests, and now have worked side-by-side on three video projects.
And so, along with added gratitude for past and present, we can look ahead with added excitement. We get to wonder what new experiences await us at each new stage, which new reunions will unfold.
We get to experience this day by day by moment, for all our remaining days of our years.
Life is wonder-full.
I realized these thoughts and shared them with many family Saturday night.
They'd gathered without my knowledge, in anticipation of my arrival to my brother’s house, one week before my 40th birthday.
They got me good.
I’m so happy they did.