We parked my car in the garage yesterday. You don't realize, but this is some feat. We have room to move freely now. Before yesterday you'd have to step around Hayden's old punching bag and weight set to the left. Old boxes with labels like "glassware" and "girl clothes 2T- 6" cluttered four walls. On the other side of the garage you'd have to be careful (especially barefoot) not to step on spilled blue and pink gravel from Rylie's hermit crab aquarium from two or three summers ago. 

In spirit with the New Year, Jason decided to "clean out" the garage while I packed away Christmas decorations in the house. Jason's notorious for "cleaning out" rather than "cleaning up". He's good at getting rid of stuff. 

I'm more of a paradox. I don't like clutter, but I'm a sentimental sap. Take for instance the "girl clothes 2T to 6" box. Jason realizes we don't need it anymore, but I've held onto to it.

Its contents are full of memories like the orchid dress Rylie wore Easter morning when she was two. I have a picture where her fist is reaching backward with an attempt to meet Hayden's cheek as he squeezed her from behind to get her to smile. 

Then there's the zebra costume, tucked away, that Hallie wore for Halloween (and just for fun). She asked me to spray her with a water bottle one time while wearing it so she could be a wet "newborn" zebra. She was a special kid. 

Old things have a way of stirring sleeping memories. 

When we're not careful "thoughts of old" entice us to stay behind and we find ourselves tucked away like the tiny crinkled Gap Christmas dress I found in the box, folded-up... confined. 

There's nothing wrong with visiting our old friend, the past. Therein lies our youthfulness, the youthfulness of those we love; our happiest days yet. 

But we've been granted something more than days passed. 

Ecclesiastes 7:10 

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

The New Year reminds us that the past isn't our only friend, rather a companion to bring along as we greet the new friend. We've a friend waiting who's eager to paint fresh stories in hues brighter than yesterday. We've a friend who invites us to unthought-of possibilities and grand adventures. 

I read a poem just the other day. I could have easily posted it by itself, for it spoke newness in me that I needed to face tomorrows. But I decided to bring along yesterday because two friends are better than one. 

Linger on the old photo, read the old note, play the old song and feel the old thing for a moment or two, if you must. But know it cannot rival the new thing alive in you come morning. I wish you a thousand new dawns that leave you grateful for how the sun has set. 
-Anonymous

Praying this year we treasure the gift of yesterdays while opening the gift of tomorrow. 

Thankful for those of you who listen to my ramblings both in person and on your smartphone screen. I'm thankful too for those who read though we've never met, or haven't seen each other in a while. This is my 501st post. I'm grateful for keystrokes that have aided in creating a picture of my reality (and sometimes maybe yours). God in his goodness is always faithful in showing me something greater. Looking forward to 2016. 

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