There's a tendency to enter into a reflective mood as another year reaches its conclusion. Perhaps that's why the spirit of New Year's Eve/New Year's Day resonates with me.
All the reflections I do daily, and in many of my blog posts, culminate in this night.
Per a Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes at the changing of the year, I continue the custom on my blog of reflecting on the year 2023 with 12 grapes as a guide:
#1: As I transitioned into a new place of residence, having Father Rex, family, and friends present for my condo blessing was a way to celebrate what brings meaning to life, just as I reflected on memories of my beloved 1036 through monthly letters to the home on my blog.
#2: There was so much great sightseeing during a trip to Washington, DC, with some time in Pennsylvania tacked on at the beginning. Being with family was special, too.
#3: The Colorado trip in the latter part of the summer to celebrate my Great Aunt Carmen's 90-year birthday was so exciting--and the feeling of excitement on her birthday was palpable from the moment I awoke.
#4: My weekend trip to St. Paul, MN, was significant as I reached the midpoint of my goal to see all 50 US state capitols.
#5: Attending the National Catholic Singles Conference was an uplifting, joyful experience, to spend time pondering my purpose in life, with like-minded single Roman Catholics.
#6: It was a great time traveling to Las Vegas for Jessica and Kevin's wedding in November/December, and it was enjoyable to attend their wedding shower in Oak Lawn in mid-October with Grandma Vel.
#7: I was so glad to join the neighbors on the block were I grew up for the autumn block party, enjoying their company with a continental breakfast and then a chili buffet in the evening.
#8: Celebrating my 10th Anniversary of ValpU graduation was a marvelous time to look back on an extraordinarily significant time of my college years, and the event that inspired the launch of this blog. My celebration included several visits to campus, including May and then later for Homecoming and even for the Annual Advent Student Dinner at St. Teresa's.
#9: My April trip to the Missouri River Valley was so memorable as I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my service/mission trip to St. Augustine Mission, by attending their annual Circle of Dreams fundraiser and then visiting the mission, along with lots of great sightseeing.
#10: I did some memorable sightseeing during Open House Chicago 2023 weekend, especially at the Disney birthplace home. Volunteering nearby at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center was a good opportunity, too.
#11: I was so delighted to attend the Chicago Voyagers Gala as the organization celebrated its 15th anniversary, aware of how much of an impact it has had getting a more personal perspective from my Uncle Bernie, the founder and executive director.
#12: In April, I was present as another group of young people encountered God in the sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Birmingham's homily at the Mass was memorable, using the metaphor of a kite for the Holy Spirit. Then, in September, with great joy, I started spending time accompanying another small Confirmation group. This year, I completed my 10th year of teaching Religious Education and started my 11th year, coinciding with my 10th anniversary of ValpU graduation.
Notably, as I reflect on 2023, I notice that I attended three special events at golf courses, which were great venues for the Circle of Dreams event, the Chicago Voyagers Gala, and the wedding of Jessica and Kevin. I also visited numerous cathedrals this year, maybe more than any other year, in Omaha, Sioux City, Harrisburg, Gary, Denver, St. Paul, and Las Vegas.
As 2023 concludes, I am reminded of Obi Wan Kenobi's words: "In my experience, there's no such thing as luck." In the spirit of my blog reflection on the 31st anniversary of when our family moved to 1036 Clarence Avenue, I know that I'm not just lucky, I'm blessed. (Thanksgiving weekend, which was close to that anniversary was a special time to be with family and celebrate what 1036 Clarence has meant to us.)
The Eternal God Who is outside of time continues to reveal Himself in time. And as we change from one year to a new year, I know that I have much to draw upon in 2023, including many uplifting experiences, that speak to the purpose God reveals for my life.
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