An Indulgence

In a rare departure from my reading habits, I recently allowed myself the luxury of a mystery novel. That used to be my favorite genre before discovering my love for fantasy. And once I decided to write in that category, I had to devote my limited reading time to fantasy stories, for my craft. Still, mysteries hold a potent place in my heart, and a cozy British one is my show of choice on television. Due to an unexpected opportunity to meet one of the stars of the upcoming movie, The Thursday Murder Club, I decided to buy the book of the same title by Richard Osman to get her autograph. Incidentally, watching the actress Celia Imrie promote her own books was an education on how to run a successful book signing. Reading Osman’s book was a delight and an instruction in something more important.

Without belaboring details or leaking spoilers, the story features four septuagenarians in a retirement village who stumble upon a murder and throw themselves into solving it with gusto. But mind you, these are no ordinary pensioners. They bring their unique life experiences and carpe diem determination to bypass authorities and unearth culprits. Because, as one character repeatedly askes, How many more of these do I have left? And that’s the rub, isn’t it? I may have a few decades on these intrepid sleuths, but is it too early to ask how many more adventures, memorable trips, hot pot dinners, jumps over fences, cherry pies, book releases, gatherings with loved ones, holidays, and new years I have left? Perhaps you might consider that morbid thinking, but I find it an important reminder to live carefully.

This Bright, Shiny Thing

Another year starts, fresh like a pristine covering of snow or the first flush of morning. It holds all the promise and excitement of a just-finished manuscript, before the innumerable re-reads and edits transforms it to a smelly old rag. (By the way, I couldn’t understand this sentiment when I first heard it from Stephen King about his books, but I get it now. Indeed, I think that perhaps my manuscript is not well-edited enough if I don’t hate the sight of it.)

But how should I approach this new beginning, especially with this aged insight from my fictitious friends that they are limited commodities? The temptation is either to set stringent goals to ensure not one second is wasted or to leave the days completely free for wherever serendipity tugs. As with most things, I think it’s probably somewhere between the extremes. Prepare for diligence but allow for wonder. Remember that our times are in the Lord’s hand and to number our days (Psalm 31:15; 90:12). Embrace the moment and live it for all its glorious worth, leaving no regret and love behind. But always walk with purpose.

This year, I expect to do a lot of work publishing another book and then marketing it. I also plan on watching The Thursday Murder Club Movie and having a blast. I will spend as much time as I can with dear people and laugh my head off. And I’ll experience untold things, maybe some I’ve never imagined before. Such a prospect used to frighten me, but now, I’m kind of thrilled. I hope you likewise will be productive and swept off your feet in these twelve months! May it be our best year yet.