Reflections?

For many years, since I was about 16 or 17, the autumn of each year would cause me to reflect and really to become consumed with the past. There has been something about the smell of defoliant, peanut dust, and the playing of high school football that caused me to look back, consider, and regret.

But not this year. This year I'm looking at what is now, and looking forward.


Why? There are probably many reasons. Having a 2 year old and looking at the road she has yet to walk, and how I'll get to walk it with her. Finally pursuing and gaining ministerial credentials.

Being tired of being regretful for things that are passed that I can do nothing about? Yep, that too.

But mostly, I'm hopeful.

Some would say "Dave, have you not seen the news? Do you not hear the constant barrage of how bad things are and that they are just going to get worse? Why be hopeful?"

I say "Why not be hopeful?"

Really, what good has having a downcast look at life done anyone? And I'm certainly not a positive confession type of person.

And I have seen the world. There are hurting people surrounding us. We have a great opportunity if only we would look outside of ourselves and stop focusing on our own lives. We all have much to give to other people. There are many whose lives would be altered simply by a kind word. And I have much more to give than a kind word, as do you.

I am hopeful because I see that while the great ship of society may never be turned around or saved from ultimate destruction, that the interaction of one heart to another may indeed turn around and save an individual.

Hope has driven out recrimination.