We gather

We gather
to give thanks for my 25 years.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Goodbye 2012, a year of transition.

As I wrote my Christmas cards this past month, I named three pivotal events in my year.  In April, I went home to be with my parents for their 73rd wedding anniversary.  I did not know then but that was to be the last time that I would see them.  Then in May, I was 25 years ordained.  It was important that I celebrated this and I did.  I chose to celebrate only once and in Bangkok as this is my home for now and my place for ministry.  Thirdly, in July, mum and dad died in the same week and I got home for the funeral. 

There must be a common theme here or so I think.  Mum and dad knew only one basic option in their lives and they were always happy with that option.  25 years seems a long time and had to be celebrated but not in an over the top way.  How about 73?  Really quite amazing!  In the end, it was their time and they went as they lived - together.  Now I am no longer "my son, the priest".  I never felt so comfortable with all that sort of fuss anyway from mum and dad but miss it when it is no longer around as I truly have to stand alone for the first time.  Maybe underneath, I did like it as the "spoilt only son" in my family. 

As I look back, 2012 has about transition for me.  I never planned it that way but it happened.  It is about taking the next step in life, not about standing alone but more about making my own stance.  I am 56 and is it not more than time I did this anyway?  I can't always be the "spoilt son" and did not all those years of mum and dad prepare me in many ways for this. 

Then I think of some those I know through my ministry with refugees.  There is a 15 year old female who had to flee her home country, and did so with the support of her family, because she was threatened with rape.  Her mother knew that to look after her child, she had to let her go.  What a choice to make at any time, let alone so early in the life of a family.  No 73 years of marriage for them to nourish their children.  The threat was real and ongoing.  The daughter was under attack, being protected by her parents.  Then what happened?  Those posing the threat killed her father and raped her mother.  So here she is now on her own in Bangkok unable to return home and looking for a place to call home.  At the age of 15, in the midst of such tragic and evil circumstances, she has had to make her stance on her own at such a young age, ready or not.  Life has dealt her a heavy blow but she still stands.  Now this is life shattering and a huge ask. 

Talk about transition.  It makes me reflect on my own situation in perspective and appreciate how well looked after I have been and how well prepared I am for moving on.  Thanks mum and dad.  Thanks to all who got me this far.  Gratitude is a central human value.  Never lose it.  Let 2013 roll on and we will deal with it!

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