Year in Review

January 1st, 2016

Anne-Me-McMinnville-2'14-115
Anne and me on one of our travels.

It’s the day of looking back and looking ahead. Actually it’s the latter that’s capturing my attention this morning. But it’s all part of a continuum, and a review can be healthy. In fact, this week we shared a meal with a dozen of our closest friends and followed it with a “go-around,” each sharing their year’s high points, and next year’s hopes. Each was followed by remarks of affirmation and encouragement by others in the circle. It was great.

Just because I have mine already written out, I’ll share its essence here. You might enjoy it, but more, I’m sharing it as model for you to consider doing the same. Do it today, being the transition day. And then share it with a friend. Or don’t. Remember what Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” And each of ours is very worth living.

Here’s my list:

High points of last year:

Travels–
Oregon for art making
Italy for art history
Idaho for art making
Dallas (twice) for art making
Chicago for art making/presentation
Anchorage for art making/presentation
Ft. Lauderdale for art making/presentation
Phoenix for art making/presentation
Ojai and various day trips just for break and togetherness with Anne

Accomplishments–
Published another four books
Painted three major mural projects
Various (12) public-painting events, some while speaking
New bathroom remodel and various house and grounds enhancements

Reunions–
Of siblings (with spouses, 10 of us), on anniversary of parents’ passing
Of children (5), their spouses (4) and grandchildren (16), in Kansas City [Vernon not in attendance]
Another great “personal growth” retreat [among same friends mentioned above]

How has life changed since a year ago–
More focus on helping with son-in-law Vernon
Daily reflections in writing each morning, a great benefit

Lacks–
A regular income stream from art still an evasive mystery (though income continues . . . also a mystery)

Hopes/Goals for next year:

Additional book projects
More and better paintings
Another international trip for art history (France)
At least another art-making trip (somewhere)
A 50th anniversary commemoration (coming up)

Spiritual Goals–
To learn what it means that the eye be single (that the whole body be full of light)*

That’s it, at least in synopsis. Yours will be different, but you might use the same categories. You’ll likely be pleased with what you discover. Life, once examined, is very worth living.

________
*Matthew 6:22

6 Comments

  1. “M” Clark Jan 1, 2016
    11:23 am

    Thanks, Hyatt, for your faithfulness to create, to share, to enrich our lives and bring glory to God. May you prosper in 2016 even as your soul prospers!

  2. Jane Moore Jan 1, 2016
    12:29 pm

    Inspirational categories for reflection from someone who inspires in many ways . Thank you, Hyatt and Anne.

  3. Allan Jan 1, 2016
    12:39 pm

    Hi. It was God who said, “Let there be light.” If we operate as a single eye, God’s light will instinctively shine.

    Blessings on your 2016 pursuits…… Allan

  4. Mabel Pittman Jan 1, 2016
    3:08 pm

    I guess you should add to last year’s accomplishments how you blessed so many (including me) with your open, honest journey of faith, which helped us all discover anew the joy of the journey.

  5. Norm Jan 1, 2016
    6:36 pm

    Thanks for allowing Alison and me to be a part of your world, Hyatt. You’ve been “broken bread and poured-out wine” to many this past year. I like your singleness of heart goal. This helps me structure my own direction for the year ahead. Blessings to you and Anne!

  6. Lisa Hoyt Jan 2, 2016
    11:49 am

    Thanks Hyatt!! All sounds good! Love to you and Anne! Lisa