New Year ahead: what does 2005 have for me?

After an exciting post-Christmas and last week of the year, I find myself ruminating on what the new year can bring to me. Sure, the Tsunami contributed to an overnight death toll of 150,000 (and still counting). And I'm really glad none of my close friends and family were involved (although I know 2 persons who perished while on holiday in Sri Lanka... the irony of it...). It is to life and family and friends that I eagerly look forward to the party tonight at my friend's apartment. We were to spend an intimate night together and catch the fireworks over KLCC from the comfort of his apartment. Sadly, the Malaysian government has called for a cancellation of all large-scale celebrations. While I understand it is to mark a sign of respect for the families of victims of the Waves of Death, I see it as focusing on those who have died and wallowing in the unfairness of it all. What about the billions of people still alive? Why aren't we celebrating life? Shouldn't we be thankful that so many of us were spared from this disaster? How many of us know people who had made plans to go to one of these doomed areas, only to have to cancel it (unfortunately, at that time) because of work, other commitments, etc? I strongly believe there is a reason we are still here.

For this, I am resolving to cherish all my friends and family and embrace the church again. I am put here for a purpose and I am not going to waste it flapping about, waiting for the next promotion and salary increment. Life offers us so much and it is our choice to reach out and grab it. What are you here on Earth for?