What did you do for Christmas? On that day I drove 7.5 hours northwest from Mississippi while family members drove 11.5 hours south from Minnesota so we could meet in Branson, Missouri. It was great having a few days together, and we were blessed with temperatures in the upper 70’s. But on our last day, the temperature dropped 40 degrees in three hours—what an interesting phenomenon!
Did you know that fascinating Marvel Cave is in the very center of Silver Dollar City. I’m not an amusement ride fan, but I love natural features like caves. One “marvel” in Marvel Cave was that I happily negotiated 600 steps straight down and 100 steep steps up with no elevator on shaking leg, but it was so worth it! Pictures don’t do the cave’s beauty and majesty justice. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss it!
Today, one week later, 2025 has ended, and 2026 has been (noisily) born. I love the imagery of the aging past year slipping away while the new year is a brand new baby full of good health, energy, and possibilities.
Let’s glean what we can from the past year to prepare ourselves for the new.
As a mom and grandmother, author and teacher, I want this world to be a place where people thrive with their needs met, which also includes the ability to help more than ourselves.
I still teach a university world geography course that I was privileged to write. Besides studying peoples, cultures, climates, and resources, one of our final essays is to write a paper presenting at least a beginning step towards solving an existing world need. I share examples like the amazing “Shoe that grows” invention that is strongly recommended by Samaritans’ Purse, the United Nations, and many agencies. Sometimes even a tiny step forward bridges a gap and makes a world of difference.
This new year is filled with hopes and expectations. It’s filled with opportunities to pursue n
ew paths and form or strengthen relationships.
Take hold of many. Read (or write) the book. Take the journey. Ask questions. Explore a solution and see where it leads.
Don’t sit back and let this year go by without being an active participant.
Life’s opportunities and challenges are endless. You may be the person holding the key to bring smiles, fill tummies, calm minds, and build hope.
2026 is brand new. Explore it, get involved, use the gift of this year well, and then have no regrets when this year ends.
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