A time of reflection

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For some, it cannot come sooner, for others, it offers a moment of reflection on achievements, successes and victories.

It is a time of the year to reflect on those mountain experiences that one has overcome – you know, the battles of life that we endure and that constantly creep up on us.

For others, the mountain still stands and remains unconquered, looming large as we cautiously get ready to embrace 2014.

A nervous time still awaits the matriculants who are anxiously waiting to hear about their results, as some of them are already preparing to embark on new adventures of education or work.

It has, without a doubt, been a turbulent year for South Africans, with the economy dragging forth like an creaky ox wagon trying to navigate itself over another hill top.

We are paying more for fuel, food, shelter and clothing, but at least we don’t have devastating storms like the one that crippled the Philippines.

It was a year that will be remembered when Nelson Mandela passed away, but also a year when E-tolling became a reality. Yes, the boogieman has finally jumped out of the closet, leaving us all screaming for the hills.

We will rather not talk about crime or corruption, let us rather take a deep breath and just let 2013 slip away like a dream (or nightmare).

It is now the time that some, yes even miraculously, can enjoy a holiday as they wave goodbye, even for a couple of weeks, to the purple gantries of our misery.

Let us, however, remain mindful that sadly, the Christmas season also comes with carnage on the roads, pets being abandoned, parties getting out of hand, unnecessarily bankrupting the account and that strange accidents do happen (and we cannot blame it on Murphy).

Let us then, as advised and urged, remain responsible, safe, wise and vigilant. Let us make a concerted effort to remain considerate to others, and to our animals.

Every year, there is the plea for greater safety when travelling, and so again, let the same plea for sanity to prevail ring out across the valleys and highways and byways that it is better to arrive alive than to be on time.

As we push aside the craziness and mayhem of life for a moment, we can also look forward to next year as we dream our dreams, and map out our conquests as we draw strength that there is sunshine after a storm.

For many in Gauteng, it might simply be a time to ask the question to tag or not to tag.

Wherever we find ourselves, be it far away across the world or on a nearby beach or in the bush, remember Nelson Mandela inspired people to forgive, to reconcile, to care, to be selfless, to be tolerant, and to maintain dignity no matter what the circumstances.

Let us strive for such a ideals this festive season.

In the words of our late Madiba: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”.

May our lights then shine wherever we go, for isn’t this what Christmas is all about?

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from the Advertiser.