This year, 2021, I find myself unexpectedly with time home. A vacation was planned to travel overseas for my son’s nuptials, however, that plan changed. I don't think I have had this much time off from my job (consecutive days) for many years. This 'free time' has allowed me to reflect on the year 2021 and 2020. It is almost painful to think about the divided country and the politics of the pandemic we have been going through since March of 2020.
I did not make any entries last Christmas - but did jot down some topics for thought. I am hopeful I will have enough focus, and slow down long enough to write. Pausing for anything is difficult for me (and my family). We were raised to define ourselves by how much 'we got done' during the day. Having a day with a non-agenda is very rare for me and whenever I can, I plan my time out several days, if not weeks, ahead. To some, this is an aggravation - to me it is the only thing I can do to keep peace.
This year I was able to compile a photobook. I have been able to do that for the last 5 years. I was nudged by 'Google Photos' to create my reflection book using the photos in my account, and so I have.
I chose also, this year, the title 'Wisdom' and included a few concepts from other blogs I follow. Last Year's book was title 'Hindsight' (in a nod to the 2020 concept). One of the ideas I feel that the year 2021 embodied was wisdom.
Here is a thought from author Mark Mason - ". . . wisdom is the ability to allow a diversity of values and thoughts to emerge within your own mind, yet still be able to act despite them.
I acknowledge that the last 20 months have been filled with discord and confusion. I thank God that He has opened my heart to the love from my friends and family. Decision paralysis can be healed and, in this way, new paths can be revealed.
