It’s December 1st, 2023, and here we are, standing strong amid the challenges we’ve faced. Nearly another year has passed, and as we navigate the final 30 days, it feels like time has sprinted in like a red-eye flight, leaving us in a whirlwind of experiences, memories, and emotions—a relentless cycle that often leaves us feeling like we’ve barely caught our breath.

Reflecting on the past year, it’s evident that it has been a year of profound loss and unyielding weight on our hearts. It’s the year where the circle of life hits closer to home, where the conversations among friends drift from shared aspirations to shared grief as we confront the reality of parents departing this world. How did we arrive at this juncture so swiftly, feeling the weight of sorrow, anger, and a world brimming with violence reflected in the very fabric of our social connections?

Yes, it’s December 1st, 2023, but some days, it feels surreal, as if the date on the calendar couldn’t possibly align with the persisting turmoil and heartache. The passage of time seems to have compressed a multitude of experiences, blurring the lines between moments, weaving a tapestry of memories that feel both distant and achingly recent.

Like every year, this one has brought a carousel of highs, lows, and the in-between moments that often go unnoticed. Amidst the chaos, as I drove home this evening, I found myself whispering, “WOW, God!” It’s been His unwavering strength that has lifted me each day, the countless blessings of divine connections, and the solace of prayers offered for me when my own words faltered in the storm of my personal struggles.

What remains undeniable is our resilience as a people, our unyielding capacity to endure. Yet, beneath the resilience lies an unmistakable weariness. Take a moment to ponder the weight of your own journey through this year, acknowledging the battles fought and the emotional toll they’ve exacted. As we approach the year’s end, let’s honor our resilience, acknowledge our weariness, and find solace in the bonds that sustain us as we stand together.