Every 365 Days

Artemis II just completed a 10-day trip around the moon. Upon the return of the four astronauts who composed the crew of the Artemis II, individually and as a group, they spoke of their memories and insights they gained on the trip. Among other comments they talked about the beauty of the Earth, the vastness of space, the cohesiveness of the crew, and the realization of the exactness of creation. For each one it was an experience of a lifetime.

Today, as I reflected upon their trip, I began to compare it to my own wonderful experience. My experience is both common to all people and yet unique to only me. You see, today I am celebrating my 365-day trip around the sun. Actually, it is not my first trip around the sun. If this was my first such trip, I wouldn't have yet learned to use this computer, compose sentences, or spell words. I would still be struggling with balance to get from one place to another and wondering when someone will take the time to notice that my diaper needs changing. Of course you realize that the trip around the sun I am referencing is a birthday.

This is the culmination of my 79th trip around the sun and the beginning of trip number 80. Like the astronauts from Artemis II, I am giving some thought to what I have seen, experienced, and learned from this just completed trip. We all have the experience of birthdays that mark our time on this planet, but our individual experiences vary.

Each year, we learn some new things (hopefully) and retain some memories that gave special meaning to this particular year. We also may harbor some regrets and wishes that we had acted differently or made some different choices in many situations.

So basically, on the day we celebrate our birthday, we can spend time in reflection of the year that was just completed or focusing on the possibilities that lie ahead in the coming year. Probably a combination of both of those processes is best for most of us. At the risk of boring you with too many personal details, I want to share a few thoughts from my life that might encourage you in remembering the highlights of your own trip around the sun.

Reflections from this trip #79

• Getting to have all of our family in our home over Christmas

• Adding to our family with the births of two great-grandchildren (bringing the total to 3)

• Celebrating our 57th Wedding Anniversary

• Replacing my worn out right knee with a new and improved one

• Having the opportunity to complete an extended time of teaching the Bible in our church

• Blessed with friends for over 60 years that we can get together several times in a year

Possibilities for trip #80

• Read the Bible through chronologically

• Improve vision by removing cataracts (this is a biggie for me - don't like my eyes to be touched)

• Travel back to Texas as health permits

• Get to know our new state of Colorado better

• Spend quality time with family

Obviously, I left out regrets and mistakes from this past trip although there were some. Those are dealt with in relationship to the Lord and those who might have been offended or hurt - not by all of you.

So, does this help you want to do some reflecting when your next trip around the sun ends and a new one begins? I hope so. God guides us through each of these journeys when we are willing to listen and follow. So Happy Birthday to you whenever that date occurs in your life.