I haven't written anything since the start of the Fall semester, and now seems like an appropriate time to reflect on things. As another year passes into the history books, I'm very thankful for the personal milestones I've experienced, most notably the birth of my daughter. 2018 will be a year for which I am eternally grateful, because it marked the first time I heard my daughter's cry. By comparison, everything else was pretty mundane. Although I knocked out two more semesters at Georgetown this year, and as of a few hours ago applied to the Master's program, those accomplishments are largely history for most of the people who are likely to be reading this. I'm also excited about a new job which, Lord willing, I will be starting within the coming weeks.
New Year's Eves are a time of special excitement. Not only do we muse about the past, but also look expectantly forward towards the coming year. Many will make resolutions...some will be broken. Rather than bore you with my personal to-do list (although respect to those who are seeking public accountability as they embark on ambitious new projects), I'd simply like to take a moment and remind everyone to be thankful for what you have, most importantly life itself.
I dedicated a podcast to the idea of "memento mori," the Latin phrase for "remember death." Although death is a rather morbid thing to ponder on a regular basis, it nevertheless is an unavoidable part of human existence. I'm reminded of those who lost someone this year, and those who passed on years ago whose memory we still cherish. I was very fortunate when I was home in San Diego recently to visit the grave of a friend (an acquaintance, really; he and my brother were much closer) whom several of us from high school knew. I felt honored to be allowed to join in with his regular friend group on their annual ritual of visiting the grave site when they come to town.
New Year's Eves are a time of special excitement. Not only do we muse about the past, but also look expectantly forward towards the coming year. Many will make resolutions...some will be broken. Rather than bore you with my personal to-do list (although respect to those who are seeking public accountability as they embark on ambitious new projects), I'd simply like to take a moment and remind everyone to be thankful for what you have, most importantly life itself.
I dedicated a podcast to the idea of "memento mori," the Latin phrase for "remember death." Although death is a rather morbid thing to ponder on a regular basis, it nevertheless is an unavoidable part of human existence. I'm reminded of those who lost someone this year, and those who passed on years ago whose memory we still cherish. I was very fortunate when I was home in San Diego recently to visit the grave of a friend (an acquaintance, really; he and my brother were much closer) whom several of us from high school knew. I felt honored to be allowed to join in with his regular friend group on their annual ritual of visiting the grave site when they come to town.
Life itself is a beautiful gift.
Regardless of how your last year went, or how you hope the coming one will turn out, please always remember that you are still breathing. That by itself is a miracle which shouldn't be taken for granted.
If all your hopes and dreams are tied to this life, your hope is very limited indeed. Those of us (like Josiah) who know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior have confidence that, whatever number of days are allotted to us on this Earth, they are not the end. If that sounds childish to you, I urge you to consider with childlike faith the possibility that the Bible might actually be true, and that Jesus Christ might actually want you to spend eternity with him in Heaven. If you're willing to follow him, then there will be no end to our days together.
Until next year,
John
Regardless of how your last year went, or how you hope the coming one will turn out, please always remember that you are still breathing. That by itself is a miracle which shouldn't be taken for granted.
If all your hopes and dreams are tied to this life, your hope is very limited indeed. Those of us (like Josiah) who know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior have confidence that, whatever number of days are allotted to us on this Earth, they are not the end. If that sounds childish to you, I urge you to consider with childlike faith the possibility that the Bible might actually be true, and that Jesus Christ might actually want you to spend eternity with him in Heaven. If you're willing to follow him, then there will be no end to our days together.
Until next year,
John
RSS Feed