“A Step Back, to Move Forward for the Holidays”
By Edward Blanchette
It’s hard to believe that the final issue of “Amish Country News” for this year, 2024, has arrived. What a year it has been. But as I sit here and take a moment to collect & reflect my thoughts, while still catching my breath, it dawns on me about just how thankful I am to have survived this fast and crazy year that is 2024, let alone all that life brings us. From everything that has bombarded us this year, the world, nationally, community wise, and yes, even with family & life in general, not all of which has made the positive mark. I am pleasantly surprised that there was actually so much positive achieved, as I take stock of all that was the year “2024”.
Not to get too deep into personal issues, but from everything going on in our world, as a whole, it can certainly be overwhelming at times and down right make you feel kind a loony-tunes. If you get my meaning? So, how does one find the bright side and positives, instead of being overtaken by all the negative? That in itself can be a challenging ordeal. We’ll in my opinion, that depends on a number of things, as perception can be a fine line – best traveled by big feet. What I mean, is that sometimes we get so caught up in everything, that we forget what is most important. And again, that can be a broad brush, of sorts.
But when you break it down to more of a simpler viewpoint, it’s kind of what I say to my soccer teams. “Sometimes, you have to pass back to move forward”. In a sense, breaking it down to the basics. So, I reflect back on what gets me through it all. My Faith, my Family, all the communities of people that come within the circles I engage in, and the never-ending resolve to always forgive and not sweat all of the small stuff that life tends to throw our way. For isn’t that what the holidays, and yes even life itself are truly about? For without “Faith”, “Family”, and “Community”, we would all just probably burnout and fizzle into the nothingness of oblivion. Right?!
So, as you deal with the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, and even life itself, and you feel yourself becoming a bit overwhelmed, remember to stop, here and there, take a deep breath and breathe.
Find forgiveness in your heart and with others. Be thankful that we get to share all of this with the people and beliefs we hold dearest to everything we strive for in this wonderful gift that we call life. I’m so glad we can share this journey together. I wish nothing but the best over the Holidays for you and your family! Now and for the year 2025. Be safe, be well, and stay positive. Until the next issue, may God bless you all.