WHAT does it mean to say goodbye?
Usually “goodbyes” are temporary and we feel that we will see each other again. When you say goodbye to someone who is leaving the country for good, there is still hope someday you will see each other again.
Even when you bid goodbye to a dying relative or friend, there is hope you will see each other in the next life. In fact, it is that hope that consoles us when we let go, and say goodbye.
Not so, when we bid a moment, a time, or a year goodbye. The goodbye is final. There is no rewinding the hands of time.
It is a final “Goodbye 2016”, and any year or moment for that matter.
How was 2016 for you? For your family? For our city? And for our country?
We would get different responses from everyone!
Would you want to know what is in store for you in 2017?
If you hear that a good fortune teller, a fengshui expert, a card or crystal ball reader, is in the neighborhood and is willing to spend time with you, would you want to meet up?
What if he tells you in detail about some great fortune or misfortune coming your way? How would it affect your life? Will you be conscious about it, and unconsciously make it happen? Will you live in happy expectation of the predicted good fortune? Will you wallow in sorrow, be depressed, or be tormented to death by the predicted misfortune?
Let me share Leviticus 19:31 which says “ Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
My Dearest Family Members and Friends,
Rather than be concerned or worried about what is in store for us, let us simply trust and believe that whatever happens in the New Year to come, or on any day of our life, has a purpose and a reason for happening.
Let us trust and believe that all things will turn to good, and that in the end, good will always triumph over evil.
The key to a positive perspective for what lies ahead is a heart that is grateful for all that happens.
This attitude is not the same as one that simply waits for things to happen. We must continue to use our God-given talents, resources and time to do what is right, and to pursue with persistence and perseverance all the we have set our hearts and minds on.
Once we have given our best to face whatever comes our way, there is no room for regrets.
I have no regrets for the years that passed, and I pray that we will all remain steadfast in the belief that God has a good plan for all of us. And when things do not turn out the way we want them to, let us continue to trust that God will always make a way for all of us.
With expectant faith, hope, and trust, we wish you and your loved ones a grace-filled New Year!
From: Michael, Angie, Jennifer, James, David, Jessica, Candice, Conrad Francis, and the Del Rosario clan.