It is New Year’s Eve. How did that even happen? I seem to have misplaced an entire year somewhere between January 1 ^st and December 31 ^st . Yes, I know. Last week’s blog started in almost exactly the same manner, but nothing seems to mark the passage of time like the coming of Christmas and the start of another year. The fact that those two events are only a week apart doesn’t help matters any.

The year 2015 has not been the greatest; definitely not the worst but certainly nothing to brag about. I could list a litany of aggravations that have vexed me this year, not the least of which is the current state of my ovens, both of which seem to be possessed and neither of which seems inclined to work . . . a terrible state of affairs during holidays that require food preparation—and baking. At least they held out for #cookiethon2015, our annual three day marathon of cookie making. Come to think of it, that may be the problem . . . Top that off with round two of my semi-annual case of the crud (which means I can no longer say semi-annual since this marks the third time in twelve months) at what is perhaps the busiest time of year (between holiday celebrations and work requirements it’s a wonder I have any hair or sanity left) and you have the makings of a year that needs to hurry on out.

But despite the minor and occasionally expensive inconveniences I’ve suffered during the year, I know enough to know that I am truly blessed. My house is still standing in spite of Mother Nature’s best efforts (even if the ovens don’t work). My children and their spouses are well and relatively happy and my grandchildren are the same. Although I have lost friends during the year, I have not been forced to say goodbye to anyone that I loved deeply and dearly nor have any of my family faced death, disease or disaster. It may not have been a year to brag about, but at least 2015 did not make me feel as though I was cursed. I even have a semi-new little granddaughter as an added bonus.

Other folks have not been so fortunate and I also know that. Just recently, many in our area lost most, if not all, of everything they had worked a lifetime to accumulate. There are numerous families that have been forced to darken our doors more than once this year, often in rapid succession. It was hard enough losing my parents eighteen months apart; I cannot imagine having to endure the turmoil brought by Death two and three times within a matter of weeks.

So as we send the old year packing and ring in the new, I will sing the same tune I always do. There are no guarantees of life in this life. Love deeply, cherish each moment, appreciate those around you, practice generosity, patience, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness, and avail yourself of every opportunity to do good. A new year awaits. Be sure to count your blessings—then be one to someone else.

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