An unexpected blessing

The end of a calendar year and the start of a new one elicit many emotions in me unique to this season. Looking back, I have a sense of contentment for the accomplishments of the year past and gratitude for new or strengthened relationships, regrets for past failures, frustration for things left undone or incomplete, and melancholy over people no longer with me, either because we’re no longer in relationship with one another or they’ve passed away. January 1st is just a date on the calendar, but...