I begin to dream, to reflect, to
revisit. I take stock of my life to this point, and the uncounted
paths taken by those I cherish. I imagine what life might yet hold in
store for us, and admit I haven't the least notion what that might
be. What an extraordinary journey! Every moment brings with it
unexpected revelations; every turn unveils abundant possibilities,
spreading into countless unknown precincts, each begging exploration.
I wouldn't trade this life for any
other.
2014 was, for me, a wondrous year.
Catherine and I were married in August. In May our second glorious
grandchild, Rose Catherine, was born. I've had the strength and means
to continue to practice my art. My world has been filled with joy and
wonder. What did I do to deserve these riches?
And yet when I look beyond the
boundaries of my own small life, I see a world of sorrow, a world of
suffering and grief: Ferguson, ISIS, Ebola, Boko Haram, Arctic
warming, cyberwars, civil wars, Malaysia Air 217 and 370, Eric
Garner, Hurricane Odile, income inequality, climate change, ad
insanitium... just a few
of the plenary misfortunes of the world. Even if I could, I need not
recount them all for you as it is, no doubt, already a familiar
litany.
These thoughts weigh heavily on me this
holiday and the part of my heart given to sadness is full. Though
many of these calamities seem impossibly distant, it is clear to me
that we are all – on some fundamental level yet to be explained –
inextricably connected to one another and to all life on this tiny
blue planet.
I haven't the vaguest idea how to solve
the problems of the world. I'm not sure anyone does. The longer I
live, the less I surely know. (Could be senility.) But of this one
thing I am certain: the simplest kindnesses, the smallest acts of
gratitude and forgiveness, in these there is hope for the world.
And so my friends this Christmas I
offer you this holiday wish: May the new year bring you everything
you need, and something that you want. And may we all find the time
and space to pray for peace, love our precious ones, and be kind to
all the rest.
May you all be blessed by the deity of
your choice. And know that I truly miss you and hope we will see one
another before long.
