Yup, another year!

Guess what? I turned another year older. This year especially has made me feel a lotttttt older! I think I have not been taking care of myself. I find less "reservoirs of strength" to deal with the stresses of being a husband, dad, teacher, etc. etc.,

I do appreciate the students and friends who dropped a birthday wish on my facebook ( ah ... thanks facebook! ). It's always nice to be remembered. At least someone thought of you in a positive way.

So what will the new year bring for me, and all who will pass my path? My vision and mission has not changed. I remain very convicted that I was put here on earth to be a blessing. To make a little space here on earth, for some reflection of heaven. Perhaps I could point someone to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Maybe touch one life for the better.

One of the more powerful lessons learnt this year is that even doing the things which resonate with your vision and values are not a guarantee against "burn-out". You still need to seek times of refreshing. Times of rest, renewal and reflection. You need to make the space. Because no one else is going to make that space for you.

Having the space for my vision and values to be renewed, otherwise, my loved ones, and my students, and those I train, will only get the facade of Franklin, or the shell, and not the real person within, which I think makes all the difference for effective communication of whatever message it is you want to communicate to others through counseling, training and teaching.

So who do I turn to when the going gets tough? Jessie is such a great companion to have. My wife of 20 years+ is my favorite and bestest friend! We enjoy special moments together. One of which is when we make our coffee, or top up after breakfast, and just sit together in the hall, and look out to the hills which make up the foreground of where we stay. We are truly blessed as we reflect together. God has been good, so awesomely good, all these years. He has never failed us. Indeed He is our companion, our Friend, our Support, Provider, Teacher and Counselor. I just cannot imagine life without His presence.

So as I reach my 45th year, what lies ahead? I do know this one thing. As long as I stay close to Him, life will continue to be one huge adventure!