New Years Resolution // Look Up

"Get organized, read books, save more money, clean up your house, get healthy, and lose weight!"

   These are just a few of the most popular 'New Years Resolutions' that get thrown in our faces each time the end of December rolls around.

   Now, don't get me wrong, I think these resolutions are great! It's really cool to see people who can keep their goals for the year.

   And then there are the people like me, the ones who aren't too good at goals.

   But this year, I'm going to set just a few easy resolutions for 2015.

   The first would be to read through the New Testament again. Last time I got a bit bogged down with trying to go through the whole Bible in one year, so I'm going for the shorter one this time.

   Number two would be... look up. No, seriously, look up. Yes, I mean have a better relationship with God, but also to just look at the sky. I don't think we have as much appreciation for the giant piece of artwork directly above us, and the more I look up at it, the more I'm in awe of it. The clouds and their formation and colors are amazing, if you really look.

   My favorite time is just before (or during) sunset, and the sky is a pure blue as the part that boarders the earth is a light yellow, and the sun burns a orange glow. Also, the sunrise, with the rays of light creeping over the mountains and sparkling on the morning frost.

   Ah, beautiful.

   Not to mention... you know what they say, a red sun rises, blood has been spilled this night. Ironically, that actually happened two mornings after going to see the Battle of the Five Armies in theaters.

   Other than that, I don't have any more resolutions this year... thanks for reading! :)

Sincerely,

Darrion

One Last New Year

   Fireworks filled the TV screen, illuminating our dark living room with their colorful splendor. The local landmark was ablaze with pink, blue, and green explosions timed to the beat of the year's musical hits.

   My dad held up his glass, smiling. "Happy new year!"

   "Happy new year," my mom repeated jubilantly, reaching across the couch to toast.

   Willow, my older sister by two years took a swig of her apple-cyder while bouncing my little frightened dog on her lap. She grinned, holding her glass high for a toast with my dad.

   I snuggled down into the couch, not partaking of the regular festivity. I took the time to remember something special, something that was very important to me. I would never be able to do this again. Just this one time. After taking a sip of my cool, chocolaty milk, I breathed deeply and whispered.

   "One last time."

   I looked around me. My family was smiling, and I saw my happy sister. Mouthing what I had just whispered to myself to her, she shook her head, indicating her confusion. She had forgotten. I didn't blame her, there were so many things to celebrate, not only to morn the passing of a year and the end of an era.

   "May your memory never fade." And with that, the past was left behind me as I joined the glad ringing in of the new year with my family and my countrymen, but at least for me, it was a bittersweet celebration. This would never happen again. It was truly one last time.

To you who said it with me... we went out together.

Sincerely,

Darrion