Tales from a Mid-Lifer

One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life. Krista Ritchie

Here we are on December 31^st, and I’m trying hard to take a moment. To be present at the end of a big year, and even if only mentally, prepare for the beginning of the new one tomorrow. I want to write lists and set goals but honestly, I’m just getting through each day as best I can since the move. So much to accomplish – working on not chastising myself for what remains undone.

I’m not going to lie: it’s been a bit overwhelming.

Toss in a trip to the Urgent Care on Christmas Eve (at my family’s insistence), subsequent antibiotics I thought would perform an overnight miracle (they did not), and sick-induced fatigue I can’t seem to shake just yet.

But, there was much good this month and I am grateful. More on the curiosities of spending our Christmas in Texas vs. New York upcoming. In the meantime, my final ten monthly gratitudes of 2025…

1. Yellow, red and pink flowers at my feet in December.

2. Discovering a very decent local coffee shop in the first week after relocating.

3. Being uncomfortable. There are positives to being utterly out-of-sorts, uneasy, unfamiliar, without routine or normalcy.

4. Matching family Christmas pajamas.

5. The story of Jesus’ birth being read, recited, taught and celebrated over and over this month.

6. Mornings.

7. My grown children surrounding me with love in a variety of ways. I am touched and humbled by their thoughtfulness.

8. Giving gifts. This is a gratitude of God’s provision.

9. Safety during a 1500-mile road trip.

10. As this year wraps up, I truly share my gratitude for you. I mean that sentiment sincerely. This community is special – filled with some excellent writers – inspiring critical thinking that helps me appreciate opposing views, while enjoying the comfort of those with similar lifestyles and values. Some of you make me laugh out loud while others bring me to tears, praying over your struggle(s). In the end, we are all more similar than we believe.

“…all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die” … “if we try to understand each other, we may even become friends.” Maya Angelou

Especially for those who really need a fresh start in one or several areas of life (who doesn’t?), may God bless you with a new beginning tomorrow…wishing you a healthy, genuinely good 2026.

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