Reflections & looking ahead

2024 was an interesting year - there was a lot going on both at home, and around the world.
I guess every year there is a lot going on, and every year we hope/wish a better year the following year - but when we look back at each year, we can see - we don't have much control over what each year brings - there is a lot out of our control.

I guess as I look back on 2024 there are a few things that come to mind...

Health

This year (and I guess a little bit of last year too) we had quite a few different health related things going on.
Both Christine and myself have had surgeries in the past two years. I am thankful for the Health Insurance cover we have, that allow us to bypass the public system.
Our health is something that is taken for granted when things are going well. I think (especially as I get older) I need to be more observant of how things are going, and if there is something that isn't right to get on top of it sooner rather than later.

Philippines trip

2024 will be remembered for me as the year that I went to the Philippines with Tearfund.

I wrote extensively about this in my earliest blog posts. This trip has certainly had an impact on me, and continues to do so. Even as I've been writing my last few posts of this year it brings my thoughts back to this trip, and reminds me to be grateful for the plenty we have here in New Zealand, compared to so so many around the world.

The impacts of poverty around the world are so impacting especially to children. While its a huge problem to look at holistically, its really easy to have a meaningful impact...
- Sponsor a child - it costs around $56 per month to sponsor a child via Tearfund. Sponsoring a child via Tearfund provides hollistic support (including spiritual) for that child and their family
- Gift for life - Tearfund have loads of other projects they support too, such as Gift for life. Here you can purchase something that will impact a families life, and allow them to then make an income from it.
- Prefer to sponsor a child in New Zealand? Variety is a place you can do this. They are also involved in many different projects, one of which is an essentials program for kids who need support. This costs around $50 per month, and will give the child that is sponsored essential needs such has clothes, bedding and items for school - you can also add on grocery vouchers etc.

If you are able to support any of these worthy causes please do - I have seen first hand how lives can be changed via sponsorship.

Given the opportunity I'd love to go back and see how things might have progressed in the time since this trip.

Time

Well this is a tricky one - I guess as this year has brought a couple of big milestones - I turned 40 * Nathan turned 18 * our 20th wedding anniversary - I feel like its highlighted how fast time is going by, and/or reminding me to try be present in the moment. Time is a gift, and we all know its finite - although thats not talked about very often.

Family

This is kinda covered already in my health & time headings, but I guess I wanted to also pop this under its own heading.
Family and those we love is something I've thought about a bit this year as we travelled through the year with health challenges both in our immediate family, and wider also.
The times we spend together are precious - even if not everyone is getting along, or we don't always agree on everything (even those things we think are super important). We need to make the most of the time we have together.

Looking ahead

I don't really do new years resolutions, but looking ahead is a good thing to do... Its good to make some plans and have some idea of what we'd like to achieve this year.
What will the new year bring, and will it be what we wish for, will it be better than this one?

I think this is an area where Faith needs to come in (as it should in all areas of life)
We may make plans
We have hopes for the new year both personally and for the world
But in the end we have so little control over what happens

This is where we as Christians can trust in God that he knows whats happening, whats coming, and that no matter what we can rely on him

Below is a couple of verses from the Bible, the book of Philippians chapter 4 - I think this verse carries the sentiment that I'd like to have moving into 2025

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.