"New Year, New Me" Changing Anything in 2022?

Here's Why Some things are Better Left Unchanged

image credit: iStock

In all of the busyness we see in the world today, with the hustle and bustle of living life in this great western wonder, the winds if change blow persistently. And sometimes these winds blow us right over.

But sometimes longstanding traditions are too strong for even the strongest winds. And for this I’m grateful.

In this busy holiday season, it’s easy to forget the things that are truly important, the things that make us uniquely human. And I was blessed to witness something truly human this morning.

In perfect timing of the holiday season, on the morning of Christmas Eve.

My neighborhood is a friendly place, teeming with children playing yard-ball, and riding bikes up and down the street. Sometimes I even think this neighborhood itself is somehow stuck in a time warp; it often feels like the days when I was a young boy.

And no matter where you live, if you pay attention, life gives you a reminder of why all of this makes sense. No matter how far flung our lives seem at times.

This morning, two boys stood on the corner with a gift bag. Both of them eagerly peering around the corner with smiles worn proudly on their faces. In my curiosity, I watched out of the window to see what was happening.

A few minutes later, a young girl rounded the corner, and the two boys gave her the gift bag. But… this was obviously a part of a meticulous plan. As the young girl thanked them for her gift and looked back into the bag, the taller boy shoulder-nudged the shorter one, prompting him to step in for a kiss.

I haven’t witnessed anything like this in a long time, perhaps since I was around 11. And it brought such joy to my heart.

“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.”
― Libba Bray, The Sweet Far Thing

There are times in life when the little things which we’ve long forgotten come back to visit us in adulthood. And it seems they do so at just the right time.

During this maddening holiday season, we often forget what truly matters, what truly makes life worth living. And the days of our youth, as rich as they once were, are alive all around us if only we stop and look.

I hope you all have these moments, and that their presence brings you joy. And in these moments of innocent reflection, during the times which shaped our hearts, I hope we all find the true reason for the season.

So change what you need to, but be sure to let a few things remain the same. Because these moments are what make us truly human.

Happy Holidays to all.

Travel well.