A lot has happened in 2010. Many people will be using today as a day of reflection and introspection. I am one of those people. I would like to begin by reflecting back on different events that shaped this year for our nation (and world). Then I will reflect on my own personal year before taking a more introspective look at my personal growth this year. I encourage each of you to do the same.
Reflections
Top 3 Top 3: The top 3 events from my top 3 categories that shaped our nation (and world) this year. I realize that big things will be left off my lists, but these are the ones that came to my mind.
- The economy continued to plummet while unemployment rates soared!
- The country sat in awe as Republican Scott Brown won the senate seat left vacant by the late Ted Kennedy in liberal Massachusetts.
- In contested mid-term elections, the Republicans found themselves back in control of the House of Representatives and closing the gap in the Senate.
- America watched on as oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone seemed to have an idea of how to stop the leak. And for quite some time, no idea brought a solution.
- The world watched on as trapped miners in Chile fought to survive and refused to give in to the conditions they faced for months. The world watched on as they were freed.
- America found an unlikely hero in Steven Slater when he lost his cool in quitting his job as a flight attendant for Jet Blue. He slid down the emergency slide with a beer in his hand.
- We saw the Aints become the Saints! With thoughts of Katrina and the impact it still has on New Orleans, most of America (just about anyone living outside Indiana) was pulling for the feel good "who dat" boys. New Orleans shocked the football world by upsetting the favored Colts through guts (onside kick to begin the second half) and grit (interception of Peyton Manning to end the game) to win the Super Bowl.
- The San Francisco Giants came out of nowhere to win the World Series for the first time since 1954 and first time ever with "San Francisco" across their chests.
- The Celtics and Lakers had another instant classic match-up which saw the Lakers win the NBA Finals in game 7 at the Staples Center.
Farewell: We saw some celebrities pass away in 2010, including:
- Leslie Nielsen
- James McArthur "Danno"
- Tom Bosley "Mr. C"
- Rue McClanahan
- Gary Coleman
- Dennis Hopper
- Dixie Carter
- John Forsythe
- Corey Haim
- Peter Graves
- Andrew Koenig "Boner"
- Phil Harris
- J.D. Salinger
Odds and ends: Some other simple reflections of 2010
- Worst thing to come out of 2010: Vuvuzelas!
- Silliest, most childish feud: Jay vs. Conan
- Oprah bid farewell by doting gifts upon her audience in her final season
My life
It's amazing how many things change over the course of a single year.
On December 31, 2009, I...
...worked in
Waltham, traveling 49.4 miles each way during a traffic-laden 1h15m+ commute
...had recently finished my first and as far as I was concerned only marathon
...considered myself my parent's kid
...dreamed about a day I would have
internet on my phone
...had never won a team championship at any level in any sport or in any league
...had read through the entire Bible once in my lifetime
...had no clue what caused the women on the island not to be able to give birth
On December 31, 2010, I...
...work in
Northborough, traveling 28.7 miles each way during a traffic-free 30-35m commute
...recently finished my second and hopefully not last marathon
...consider myself my kid's parent (she'll be here soon)
...recently removed the
internet from my phone and not bothered one bit
...scored the winning run for our team's softball championship (70+ team league)
...have read through the entire Bible twice in my lifetime
...have no clue what caused the women on the island not to be able to give birth (some things are admittedly unchanged)
Introspection
Obviously the biggest change in my life this year was finding out my wife was pregnant with our first child and working our way through the pregnancy. And undoubtedly the biggest change in my life in 2011 will involve the introduction and raising of that baby.
I have grown in so many ways in 2010. My devotional and prayer life has improved. My patience has increased. My faith has grown. God has been good to me!
How about you? Has your year been a good one? How much has changed? How shocked would you have been last year to see a snapshot of your life this year?
I have no idea what I'll be amazed to look back at on December 31, 2011, but I know that I will be amazed!
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2 comments:
my life changes every fifteen minutes around here, but i'd have to say the biggest change was when the boys were adopted. that had to be the greatest moment of my year. or maybe my life. anyways, this has been an awesome year. and it's almost over. *sigh,* i hope 2011 is just as good.
I would think that would be the biggest change this year. Definitely made 2010 that much more special. I can't wait to hear how awesome your 2011 will be.
And hey, my favorite thing and biggest change from 2011 will also deal with an addition to my family :)
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