By A. Ray Lee 

Columnist 

In a recent cartoon, Blondie asked Dagwood if he had made any New Year’s resolutions. He replied: “Nope. I have decided to skip it this year. I want to see what it is like to have a guilt-free year.”  

I have never been one to make a lot of New Year’s resolutions. To me, they seem to dwell more on reliving the mistakes of the past than reaching out to the possibilities of the future.  

I have made only one for this year.   

As 2021 came to a close, I had ample opportunity to review the past and look toward the future. For several weeks as I dealt with the COVID-19 virus, I did not leave Lee Road other than on medical trips. My only companions were Miss Nellie the cat – who some years ago came in out of the wild and, liking the accommodations, decided to stay – and a twice-rescued loveable pooch named Sophia who thinks she is the mistress of the manor.  

Yet life continued.  

Another birthday occurred, and Laura made sure I had a German Chocolate cake like her mother used to bake. Other family members and friends sent restaurant gift cards, which I used for take-out meals and hoarded for future use. I was cheered by numerous texts from friends old and new. 

By Christmas week, the effects of the virus began to ebb. Not knowing, however, whether I was still contagious or not, I chose a low-key observance, accepting no visitors.  

On Christmas Eve, daughter Jenny and granddaughter Evie drove over from Florence to leave gifts left at the door and wish me a Merry Christmas through patio windows.  

On Christmas Day I sat down to a delicious meal prepared and delivered by daughter-in-law Deidra.  

In the evening I reviewed once again all the beautiful cards I had received and gave thanks for a caring family and a multitude of friends. 

As the days of the year begin to lengthen, my one resolution is to get on with life and live each day thankful for the blessings I have received from my creator.  

I choose not to have a fatalistic approach toward an alterable future but rather accept by faith the truth of the words written by David after a long and varied life. As he summed up his life experiences, he asserted, “My times are in thy hand” (Psalm 31:15 KJV). 

I can confidently face the future in faith, knowing in whose hands my life rests.