As one year has come to an so called end and the sun has set on twenty18, it is not a closure on something but rather a continuation to whats to come. As always it provides unique opportunities to consider, reflect and re-look at the last 365 days. To be appreciative of what we have, the opportunities that were, the moments that shaped our thinking, our ‘humanness’ and just take a breath and say thank you.

Twenty18 was a big 365 days in many ways, some great, some good, some bad and some ugly. And as I move into the year that I officially turn the big four O, I realise this is normal, it is ok. It is however how we are in each of those moments that define us individually. It’s wether we allow each of those to define ourselves or do we respond in ways that reflect our values and what is important. One of my best friends in the last few days in a whatapp voice note said the following: ‘a lot happened this year, but did it just fly by and you never actually took it all in’ (paraphrased).

Much happened in twenty18 for me and for each one of us. But our challenge is to ‘take it all in!’ To fully take it all in. To be present in each moment whether good or bad. To learn and grow. To enjoy the journey. To take it ALL in!

Twenty18 …

A year which again shaped me. A completion of my Masters degree, not without questioning why, should I give up, not taking criticism well, deciding screw this I can.

A year where we started with 3 kids (Keanan, Zoe and Madi) to becoming 643 as we became house parents at TuksVillage (with its 640 students) to ending on 642 with Keanan moving to the US to be closer to dad and join the US Army.

A year where I learnt more about people and diversity and culture and having gained so much from being at TuksVillage. I will say this and say it again … if only 10 % of these amazing students become the leaders in our country … WE will fly and thrive.

A year where again I realised the value of culture that has been developed and created and moulded over time. A stripe culture that forms a foundation of our successes at TuksSport. But if culture is not nurtured, tendered too, developed, re-imagined, watered it withers and will wither quickly. It’s out duty to keep it strong.

A year where my faith was weak, my relationships poor especially with God, but with the knowing it’s never too late to get myself facing in the right direction and using a lot more ‘knee mail’.

A year where even with my fluttering, God’s provision to our family has once again proven “ye of little faith”.

A year where I am reminded how blessed I am to have the amazing wife I have, who holds my accountable, who gets to the crux and point of the matter and shapes me continually to be a better person. Two little girls that are growing up quickly, each with their own personalities and uniqueness, each challenging me in so many ways. Having a son that I don’t have, but one I care for like my own, whom has shaped me and allowed me to love someone that is not my own.

A year of constant struggle to remain fit and looking after my body, my mind. A challenge that I face each day. A challenge of making the right decisions and not the just because ones.

A year of much, a year where I felt I could have been better, a year where I could have done more. One where I felt too often that the ball was dropped in responsibility both at work and in the family. But still one that I now has contributed.

So as I sit in my lounge, just being me, I realise I have many reasons to rejoice, to be appreciative, to be thankful, to learn, to challenge myself, to contribute positively to others. I know I can and must be a better man, a better husband, a father, a friend, an ear, a colleague whilst working on my relationship with God as the center.

So as the sun will rise in a few hours, I am challenged, that even though it’s a new year, that it’s not about new things but rather a continuation of growth for myself and each one of us.  May we grow in His image, through His love, by His Grace, in His redemption as we seek to portray and live out the plans for each one of us.

May twenty19 be a phenomenal 365 days of growth, provision and love, as we acknowledge our diversity, we embrace our differences and we seek to shine a light in a world that needs hope.

#KeepBouncing

Steven