Surely as we approach the end of the year, if ever there is a time to reflect, it would be now. Google “reflection”. There are at least two meanings that occur. The first would be to see a reflection as in a mirror. The second is to think deeply about a subject. Both of those would seem to apply.

The first meaning gives us the ability to look backward on the year. There we might find our triumphs and our not so triumphant times, our joys and our sorrows. These are the events that stick out in our minds. Some may be worthy of keeping in our scrapbook of memories. Many are probably just the events of daily life which are not to be forgotten, and yet not to be dominant as we move forward.

Some are lessons to be learned and followed. They may be to be followed by their absence, or as ways to act in the future. As we live, we can learn. The choices are ours to make.

If we manipulate the mirror, we might also look ahead as well as back. Immediately after the old year ends, a new one begins, and for most some kind of plan or resolution for our intended actions in the New Year can be made. This is probably more prevalent for the youthful folk. As one get older, the intent seems to gravitate to just taking one more step of our path along the way of life.

The second meaning, that of deeply thinking, is somewhat more problematic. It is a part of many philosophies dating back to Plato and Socrates. Folks have been asking in many different ways what meaning is there to life other than survival. Some point to God and some point in the other direction. I tend to agree with G.K. Chesterton who said, “ If there were no God there would be no atheists.”

However, the point is we each should think of how we act and why we act the way we do. Did we do our best when our best was required? If we did our best, then what else could we have done? Was that irritating action really worth all the fuss we raised? Did Mother Nature really single us out for that downpour?

No one but us can answer those questions. Well, maybe the Mother Nature one could be answered. But, many of us remember “it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature. The point is, we can take the opportunity here at the end of the year to reflect on those first few kinds of questions, If we do that, we may find answers.

It doesn’t take much time to reflect on any of the subjects mentioned in this little essay. But I suggest that a little reflection just might make the years behind and the year ahead a little better for you.