(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.
- Children see endless horizons
- Younger adults realize time is not as infinite as it once seemed
- And elders feel its weight, reflecting on what happened and what mattered.
These stages coexist, each shaping how we live and what we prioritize.
Perspectives on time vary widely. You’ll have a businessan meticulously measure every minute, others let it drift by unnoticed, and many find themselves jumping in between the two, etc. 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.
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. Thankfully as a listener, their wisdom doesn’t weigh down if you’re careful. Instead it guides. Revealing the lessons only a long life can teach.
These two ends of the spectrum—dream-filled youth and reflective age—anchor us. The young remind us to dream and explore; elders teach us to focus on what lasts. While these qualities aren’t exclusive to age, they’re often most vivid at these stages.
Of course time with peers is equally important. 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 due to pride and ignorance.
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 could allo use time and time again.
“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 anyone 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 generally good. I wrote more on this blog than ever before. I really liked my essay Grass is Greener Where You Water It. 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.
I want to do more good for those around me: my family, friends, and community. It will never be enough as long as I’m physically and mentally capable. Let’s all try to create or help fill metaphorical wells filled with waters of courage, hope, and joy. All of us will need to quench our thirst here and there, will be nice to know such constructions exist. At the crux of it all though is my strength in faith and man is there so much work to do there.
On a more shallow note, I really want to try wine in Madeira. I’d also like to bake a cake at least once. በእግዚአብሔር ፈቃድ (Be Egziabher Fek’ad // with God’s will), I hope to visit ጣና ሐይቅ (Tana Hayq // Lake Tana) as well. Maybe I can try to ride a jet ski there.
We shall see, let’s try our best. Until next time, friends.