We all got accustomed to having big barbecues in the summertime, inviting friends and family over, going to a state fair, or even heading to the church potluck with our loved ones. We play music, we dance, and we even meet our future wives or husbands at these events. We get married and we start families of our own.
Christmas time comes as another anchor for friends and family, where everyone exchanges gifts and gathers around the dinner table once more. We tell stories about each other—recalling things that happened ten Christmases ago that somehow remain the hero of everything else that happened after that time.
As the years pass, everything becomes a memory. The backyard that used to be the place to be in the summertime is no longer the party spot. The table and chairs at Christmas time that once held the laughter and the disagreements are no longer active. Now, all that remains are memories and empty chairs.
This is not something that happens to you alone. It is something that happens to most of us. This is called evolution.
You see, you brought those young people up and taught them the responsibility of taking care of each other through the good times and the bad. You taught them that not only family counts, but the community counts also. That is why you supported your local church potlucks and your state fairs. Your backyard and your table did their job. Now, they give you blessed moments to sit in the quiet, look back, and smile upon.
It doesn't matter how rough life gets—always find that bright light somewhere in there to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.
Now, it’s time to pick yourself up and start a new mentorship. Don’t think for a single moment that this is the end for you. You have plenty of knowledge, wisdom, and love to spread to the next generation. Let’s make other children, families, or friends feel loved with your kind, comforting words and by simply listening to them when they need a friend. You will be surprised by just how much that truly means.
Now! That is one purpose that really counts.
