Mike Parker: As the year closes, my only resolution – practice gratitude
As 2025 draws to a close, I have realized how much complaining I have heard – and done – this year. I confess that fault to my shame. I have so much in my life that brings me joy. Yet, too much of the time I focus on the negatives.
I just finished taking stock again. My cup of blessings “runneth over” – to use a King James phrase. I perceive goodness and mercy has followed me through this past year – and promises to stick with me as I move into 2026.
For instance, my mother is still living. She turned 97 in October. Hearing her voice on the phone immediately brightens my day. She is a fountain of wisdom stemming from her life experiences.
My wife Sandra is my rock. On Feb. 18 of next year, we will celebrate 54 years together. Her commitment to our marriage is a constant source of blessing. We have known some rough spots – lack of financial resources, a battle with cancer, the loss of our first grandchild – but we allowed the pressures of life to push us together instead of driving us apart.
I have four wonderful children: Sara, Rachel, Lydia and Michael. When they were little, I would look at them and ponder what the future would hold for them. What type of adults would they be? How would they weather the terrible twos – and the terrifying teens?
I no longer wonder. I see the people they have become – people who give of themselves to others, people of strong faith. They all have a ready laugh, a quick smile, a kind word, and an open heart. And they all have good jobs.
I have also lived long enough to experience the truth of Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are the crown of old men.” I have 12 jewels in my crown: the “Old Guard” composed of Courtney, Haley, Taylor, Jaxen, and the “Young Guns” made up of Isaiah, Abby, Alex, Ben, Hannah, Laney, Allison, and Luke. I look forward to spending some time with them this week.
What is even harder for me to grasp is that five of my grandchildren have attended college. Courtney is an RN. Haley just completed her Master’s in Anthropology. Taylor is a Pharmacy Tech. Jaxen is now at ECU working toward a degree in Industrial Technology. Isaiah is in his first year of Automotive Technology. They are all focused and hard working.
I rejoice in my church family. We are bound together in our faith and in our love for one another. I rejoice in my friends and good neighbors.
Life Lesson Number 1: Most of our discontentment grows from things we have – or wish we had.
Life Lesson Number 2: Most of our joys come from people – the people we love and those who love us in return.
As this year closes and the new one approaches, my single resolution is to be grateful for the people God has brought into my life.
I am sure I will still gripe about gas prices – and the electric bill. I may fume when a driver cuts me off in traffic.
But what I hope is that I will do my best to rejoice and give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has given me.
As the patriarch Jacob said: “I am not worthy of the least of the Lord’s blessings.”
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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