“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”
Christmas brought with it many gifts this year, but for me the greatest was being able to enjoy the holiday at home with my family and friends. I told myself I would appreciate the opportunity to spend the season in the comfort of my own home, and that is just what I did. Naturally, there were loved ones separated by distance I did not get to see, as well as those who have faded from present to past, but I was so grateful to be surrounded by my family and fortunate that we are all able to still be together in times like these.
Last Friday, several people stopped by and an impromptu party broke out. Fortunately, Moms seem to be prepared for anything, and in this case my mother had brought with her all kinds of appetizers we were all able to enjoy. There was no shortage of holiday spirit or for that matter, spirits. The kids spent most of the day playing with the cats and a red laser light, which they chased all around the apartment (the cats did the chasing, although the kids also did plenty of running around). The evening concluded with a viewing of “Bad Santa” after the younger guests had left. Although unplanned, it turned out to be quite a fun and festive day!
Christmas Day started off with mass, which my priest friend, Damian, celebrated with my family and a few guests. A makeshift altar was erected in the living room allowing all of us to share in the Eucharist. Afterwards we feasted on Kielbasa, sauerkraut and my Mom’s world-famous pepperoni roll, while Damian showed me some pictures of he and Kid Rock. It turns out that Damian ran into him at a Cavaliers basketball game. What made this story great, though, was that after Damian took a picture with the singer, Kid Rock then whipped out his phone and asked for a picture with Damian! I bumped into Kid Rock a few years ago at the Kentucky Derby and was able to get a picture, but he did not ask for a picture with me.
Later that evening we headed over to The Voegele family’s annual Christmas party. Always a great time, this year was no exception. Instead of music-playing neckties, this year’s accessory of choice was crazy hats. Although, I’m still not sure how I got stuck with Dora the Explorer on my head for most of the evening. Of course the highlight of the evening was the White Elephant Gift Exchange. I ended up with a matched set of Christmas mugs. My Dad received a breathalyzer keychain and my Mom unwrapped a pair of Kate Voegele signature sunglasses, which she designed for Oakley. These were quickly commandeered by Lindsey once she saw them – who I must admit it looks pretty snazzy in them. Even though this was only the second time my family had seen most of the guests (the first time being last Christmas), there was a strong feeling of community and everyone felt very comfortable amongst one another. It reminded me of the type of gathering I’d see in a Hallmark movie that isn’t supposed to exist in our “normal” lives. It was a very enjoyable night!
A new year will greet us in a couple days and bring with it the opportunity for new beginnings, important resolutions and the opportunity to move forward having learned from our past. We don’t need the turning of a calendar to seize upon new challenges, but for some reason it always seems like the appropriate time to do so. Whether you choose to make resolutions or not, hopefully you will reflect on all of the joy and pain you experienced this past year and be a better person because of it. I experienced a lot of great things this past year, but was also forced to deal with events I’d rather never took place. I am still learning every day, choosing to consciously decide how to confront challenges, rather than defaulting to the natural and easy (but often nonproductive) emotional response.
As I move through the days, experiencing both the sweet and sour life serves up, I am reminded of the story of a wise, Persian King who asked his advisers to bring him something that would make him happy when he was sad and vice versa. They eventually brought the King a ring on which was inscribed, “This Too Shall Pass.” Like most people, I often tend to use this phrase as a battle cry when facing difficult times. However, it is just as important to remember this passage when also enjoying the good times. Rain or shine, nothing lasts forever. This too shall pass.
So as another year passes and another one arrives, find the happiness you seek and leave behind the worry holding you back. Happy New Year! Stand Strong!
Scott