Ring-ing in A New (Birth) Year
Shall I compare me to an aging tree? Why not! Trees grow…as do I. But since trees have so many characteristics and comparable qualities, I will focus on just one: they typically grow a ring for each year of their lives and thereby expand their girth (and strength). Scientists can actually determine the age of trees by the number of rings they have. And interestingly, an analysis of the rings can tell of the events that the trees had to experience – favourable or harsh climatic conditions (such as drought, rainfall), pollution, diseases, etc.
Just like the trees, we all grow rings. We celebrate our “rings” when we celebrate our birthdays (or perhaps at the start of a New Year). And just like trees, the characteristics of our rings are influenced by external and internal factors – the joys, triumphs, struggles, fears, etc that we face. If we overcome life’s obstacles and live past our pain and pride, our rings will be stronger for the next one to come.
All previous celebrations of the birth of my rings were special in their unique way. However, this birthday is one that benefits from the strength of them all as they have endured the test of time. To say that I celebrate this milestone as one who is favoured is perhaps an understatement. Even as I reflect on Hurricane Mathew which did not hit Jamaica but has caused so much death and destruction, I can’t help but feel guilty for being so fortunate. What makes me deserving of somewhere decent to live, food to eat every day, the ability to move about as I wish, to have family and friends whom I can love and who love me in return? What makes me special to have fairly good health and clean air to breath? The list is endless...
I could only conclude that it’s God’s grace. I was reminded this week that it is He who decides the paths we can trod and the fortunes we receive. I don’t understand it, and I won’t ever fully grasp it. But that’s fine. He’s not obliged to disclose His ways to mere mortals such as me.
Celebrating this ring – another year of life – is one of my greatest privileges of 2016. May I grow my next one by striving daily to be deserving.
Just like the trees, we all grow rings. We celebrate our “rings” when we celebrate our birthdays (or perhaps at the start of a New Year). And just like trees, the characteristics of our rings are influenced by external and internal factors – the joys, triumphs, struggles, fears, etc that we face. If we overcome life’s obstacles and live past our pain and pride, our rings will be stronger for the next one to come.
All previous celebrations of the birth of my rings were special in their unique way. However, this birthday is one that benefits from the strength of them all as they have endured the test of time. To say that I celebrate this milestone as one who is favoured is perhaps an understatement. Even as I reflect on Hurricane Mathew which did not hit Jamaica but has caused so much death and destruction, I can’t help but feel guilty for being so fortunate. What makes me deserving of somewhere decent to live, food to eat every day, the ability to move about as I wish, to have family and friends whom I can love and who love me in return? What makes me special to have fairly good health and clean air to breath? The list is endless...
I could only conclude that it’s God’s grace. I was reminded this week that it is He who decides the paths we can trod and the fortunes we receive. I don’t understand it, and I won’t ever fully grasp it. But that’s fine. He’s not obliged to disclose His ways to mere mortals such as me.
Celebrating this ring – another year of life – is one of my greatest privileges of 2016. May I grow my next one by striving daily to be deserving.
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