There were so many horrible things that happened last year, from natural disasters, to mass shootings, to continuing gridlock in our government. In the face of all the it is easy to think the year was just horrible!
But last week the Washington Post reminded us of 23 good things that happened in 2023.
It was a good reminder, but also a personal challenge. Could I think of 23 good things that happened last year?
Here is my list. (In no particular order)
Rosie
On May 6 welcomed our granddaughter, Rosailind Jane Hollis to our family. To be honest we could stop right there and the year would be a win!
2. A job
After serving as an interim pastor, Kernersville Moravian Church invited me to stay on as their settled pastor. It isn’t the way the system is supposed to work, but we are grateful for the opportunity to travel this road with them.
3. Knowing where we are going to be
After leaving Nova Scotia we have lived as nomads, not really knowing where we will be next. We know that next Christmas we will celebrate in Kernersville, NC! That is a good thing!
4. Time with family—all of them
With grown and scattered children it is tough getting everyone together. We were able to do that several times this year, most recently the week after Christmas! Just wonderful!
5. Being close to Wake Forest
It is 14 miles from our house to dear Old Wake Forest. I have loved being able to attend lectures, ballgames, just walking the quad. Something old guys like to do!
6. Reconnection with friends
My best friend from high school; my roommate from London; the guy who let me crash on his floor at SEBTS the week I was there; our best friends from Lenoir, NC; a dear minister friend/guru; and so many more! A reminder that friends are so important!
7. Medicare
It is almost like living in Canada! After living, wondering about health insurance for all my adult life that little card is wonderful! Why everyone doesn’t get this is beyond me!
8. A neurologist
After going years without seeing one in Canada (yes, there are disadvantages) I have a neurologist I like! (Still miss my doc in Charleston though!)
9. Financial security
It has always been my “wake up in the night” worry, but for the first time there is the sense that we are ok financially. Not rich by a long shot, but good.
Our picture from 2022, but you get the idea!
10. Preacher camp 20
How many ministers can say they have a group of colleagues they have gathered with for 20 years, to plan, play, pastor? This was our 20th year together! We have been through life together!
11. A month in Charleston
Some friends were away for a month, and being the kind of people we are, Anita and I agreed to housesit for them! I know! What a sacrifice! But it still made my top 23!
12. Krispy Kreme donuts
Being near the birthplace I have enjoyed having these flashbacks! And the donuts!
13. Barbecue
So many times in NS I had to explain that barbecue isn’t a verb! It is a noun!
14. Country Ham
The little things are the big things!
15. Home(s)
You know you are privileged when you live in a fabulous parsonage AND have another home elsewhere.
16. Grandchildren
The old saying is true! If I had known grandchildren were so wonderful I would have had them first! We have 3 precious grandchildren who fill me with joy every time I see them, or talk with them on Facetime! (I love their parent’s too!)
17. Almost 40 years with Anita
In just a couple weeks (January 14) Anita and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary. That is longer than any of our parents were married, so we see that as a major accomplishment! And we still like each other!
18. Ted Lasso
“Be curious, not judgmental.” That was the theme of my Epiphany sermons in 2023! Ted Lasso was just the kind show that we needed! (Every time I have rewatched it!)
19. Kernersville Moravian Church
To quote Sally Fields, “You like me! You really like me!” It is one thing to be invited to be an interim, but then to be the permanent pastor, well! This has been a delight! And Lovefeast are just the best!
20. Weddings with family
Lyle Lovett has a song in which he says, “Lord I went to a funeral. It made me happy to see all those people I hadn’t seen since the last time somebody died!” Well, it was even better as we gathered for 2 family weddings this year! And it was wonderful seeing everybody—again!
21. Photographs
One of my resolutions is to get my pictures organized. Started before Christmas and it is wonderful remembering the wonderful people and places in my life. Grateful! (I may add a gallery of my 23 favorite pictures from this year!)
22. Morning papers
It is my morning routine, reading at least 3 newspapers online. It is how I know what I need to be praying for. It is what gave me the inspiration for this blog!
23. Life
I guess it should go without saying, but this year our high school class has lost several classmates. It reminds you that life is a gift. Every day.
That’s my list! What might make yours!