...And a happy New Year to you, too!

What a tremendous opportunity to make good things happen in the year that lies ahead, leaving our gripes, disappointments and negative attitudes behind us! Unfortunately our streets will be plastered with election posters soon, and we will be inundated with flowery speeches and flamboyant, but empty promises made by beaming politicians to capture the vote of the gullible. Desperation still reigns in the lives of those deprived of life’s essentials, and comparatively, how much of a crisis is the odd pothole we dodge as we traverse the post-storm damaged Betty’s Bay roads en route to our daily destination?

However, let’s face it, it’s so much easier to become despondent when newscasts are filled with criminals getting away with every conceivable offence for a variety of reasons, the shocking abuse of the innocent, and lawlessness in the guise of legitimate protest. One tends to feel anger, helplessness and worse, hopelessness in the face of present conditions in our country, especially if you have been a victim of the crime.

But there is a bright side... we, as a family, recently took a weekend off to celebrate two birthdays on a guest farm bordering on the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in the magnificent Langeberg mountains. Ignoring the TV sets in the cottages, we were blessed with beautiful cool weather, wonderful hospitality and the only noise factor arising from the excitement and enjoyment of the four grandchildren. Horses, and sheep who thought they were, were a constant source of peaceful entertainment... the children thrilling to a ride on the horses on the second day.

The presence and knowledge of the Conservator in the family made our walk in the Nature Reserve very special, enjoying the peaceful sound of the flowing but unseen river, the song of the birds from the hide constructed several metres above the forest floor, and many fascinating plants and insects.

We adults experienced life through the eyes of the children, and it is not surprising that Jesus bade us become like them... the owner’s pet dogs and cats were a constant source of joy and amusement to them, as were the herd of young oxen who came onto the lawns to visit and had to be herded away by the farmer and his dog.

Watching the four cousins (seldom blessed with time together due to the distance separating them) spending quality time together and making the most of every opportunity to share each new exciting adventure of discovery, made me wonder how we, as adults, have lost the ability to find and embrace special attributes in people we encounter, thereby enriching our lives – and outlook? It can be challenging stuff, watching kids co-exist happily.

How the world has changed since we were small – can we remember that far back? Just try talking to a four year-old who, having spent a fair amount of her short life flying to holiday destinations, is well versed in the procedures of air travel, including the all-important meal at the Wimpy (the place with the best view of incoming or departing aircraft) and thereafter the final family farewells. Every flight is an adventure, related in great detail to whoever meets her at the other end. (We travelled endless distances in the family car). Most of us spoke one home language or ‘n moedertaal, depending on which side of the fence we resided – this little one speaks them both fluently, with a smattering of Khosa... she is purely South African. Her parents are the most important and most special people in her life and with whose discipline she still complies unquestioningly... (remember the Bible stating that God disciplines those He loves?) When we were children, computers hadn’t been invented, people still boarded ships to reach other countries, and we stood in awe, shading our eyes from the sun, to watch the occasional aircraft pass overhead. Today... yes, the wind bloweth and the mind boggleth...

So back to the present, the world our grandkids are enjoying now, and let’s focus on how to handle life in 2014, regardless of the outcome of the election. Children live one day at a time – manageable. They learn something new every day – desirable. They find something enjoyable in every day – well worth the trouble. They encourage one another and build relationships – worth emulating. They love unconditionally, sometimes undeservingly. They are loyal and trusting – regardless. Should we live each day thus, this year should be great, because Jesus said: “Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”