Makonnen

(Life) 2024 Reflections - Grounded in balance

Published: 2024-12-28

Grounded in Balance: Reflections on Time, Youth, and Wisdom

Adulthood brings a growing awareness of time’s limits, a stark contrast to how we perceive it at different stages of life.

These stages coexist, each shaping how we live and what we prioritize.

Perspectives on time vary a lot. You’ll have a businessan meticulously measure every minute of their day, others let it drift by unnoticed, and many find themselves jumping in between the two forms. Over the course of one’s life, these views shift with wisdom, circumstances, and changing priorities. Engaging with these perspectives keeps us grounded, reminding us to live with intention and gratitude.

The youngest in my life (family, church goers) inspire me to stay present. Their curiosity and joy are infectious, pulling me out of my head and into the moment. Whether it’s a baby shaking a plastic ball in a box or a child’s endless questions. They remind me of the beauty in seeing the world with unfiltered wonder. Nothing to do with making money, no grand schemes for some other plan they’re hiding, etc. Just raw curiosity that satisfies them to chase for the answers. They are what roots geniuness in this world.

On the other end, elders bring clarity and depth. Their stories and reflections show what mattered in hindsight, what bore fruit, and what was ultimately fleeting. Their wisdom doesn’t weigh you down if you’re careful. Instead it guides. Revealing the lessons only a long life can teach.

These two ends of the youth and reflective old age anchor us. The young remind us to dream and explore; elders teach us to focus on what lasts. While these perspectives aren’t specially reserved to people who are that age, they’re often most seen to us in their most vivid forms at these stages.

Of course time with peers who are the same age as you is equally important. (Speaking for myself as a young adult, not unc status yet just big bro). They walk alongside us, sharing lessons, struggles, and growth in real time. They’re the friends, confidants, and companions who make life’s journey richer.

Each age group offers something unique, and engaging across all stages reveals a fuller picture of life. I focused on the two opposite ends due to that vividness I described above and also because they’re easily ignored by people my age due to busyness, ignorance, and maybe pride.

Time is finite, but within its boundaries lies infinite potential (corny ik). To live well is to cherish the present, honor the past, and nurture hope for the future. It’s a balance that keeps us grounded, intentional, and alive to the beauty of the journey at every stage. A reminder we need told to us here and there.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

On that note, I thank the small crowd of people who somehow stumbled upon this end of year essay. It’s different from my usual annual updates, but I think I like this. We’ll see what happens next year. I’m unsure if Yonathan or Branden will join this year, so I don’t want to make any promises, but I’ll add their yearly essays if they do.

As a short update: this year was alright. I wrote more on this blog than ever before. I grew stronger in areas I wanted to improve. I discovered weaknesses I didn’t know I had, but need to address to simply be a better person moving forward.

Life often feels like a series of hurricanes, violently unearthing hidden truths. The gems, heaps of trash, and the unshakable elements that rightfully withstand the chaos. Despite it all, I end the year feeling blessed for what I have and was given. I’m optimistic for what the next year holds, even if I can’t say exactly what that will be.

We shall see, let’s try our best. Until next time.