With the start of 2015 comes the sense of encountering once again a blank slate. Yet I already am anticipating things that will fill it up, and so share them here now. Having reflected on 2014 in accordance to the guide that the 12 grapes custom provides, I now look ahead to the new year of 2015 in like manner.
Grape #1: In light of the brutal conditions of last winter, I'm intrigued to see what will happen with this winter, heading in 2015. There are indications that a weak El Niño event is occurring, which means milder conditions for the Central US. From what I've come across, we should expect minimal snow, and average, or maybe slightly above average, temperatures for this winter. But there are other factors in place that could change that, so I'll be on the look out to see how this all plays out.
Grape #2: I am looking forward to the advances I make in my career, after having spent this past year building valuable work experience.
Grape #3: I hope to read many more books, especially on historical subjects.
Grape #4: I eagerly await the milestone birthdays that will be occurring in my own family, notably involving the two sets of twins I'm most closely related to, with both twins in one of the sets marking significant advances in their own careers this year.
Grape #5: There are some other milestones I'm looking forward to: The 150-Year Anniversary of the end of the Sectional War come April, and all the attendant commemoration activities. I also look forward to marking 5 years since the debut of The Land and the Book, a wonderful Moody Radio program.
Grape #6: I look forward to seeing what Bruce Rauner will do upon taking office as Governor of Illinois come January 12.
Grape #7: Local elections are coming up, and I'm eager to get involved in the important conversations that take place when it comes to local issues.
Grape #8: I hope to continue exploring those fascinating little sites that abound in Chicagoland. To this end, I am definitely aiming to enjoy lots of great bike rides around the area.
Grape #11: I look forward to marking 10 years since two important defining events in my life: The first is my graduation from Percy Julian Middle School on June 8. From my vantage point nearly a decade after becoming an alumnus, I can see that my time at Julian was an amazing experience like no other, giving me an academic environment in which I flourished, opportunities to express myself and my interests, and profoundly shaping me into the person I have become. The second event is my Confirmation in October, which occurred a few months after graduating from Julian. This was a pivotal event in my life of faith, whose impact is present with me as I live out my faith to this very day.
Grape #12: I am ready and eager to continue making much of the empowerment I received from the formative experiences of my Julian days and my Confirmation. In this new year, I shall look to continue making an impact on the world by serving others, being a patriot, and making God's presence known to others, especially in guiding young people along in their own journeys of faith.
Indeed, since those profound days in my middle school years, I have always sought after a higher purpose as a guiding force in my life. So I go forth into this fresh new year of 2015 ready to give myself once again to these purposes, which I know allows me to live the good life in God.
May you have a joyous new year, living it out with purpose.
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