Even by my standards, I confess to being late to the Five Minute Friday party … again. I peek at the prompt, read some of the contributions,  blink my eyes and … it’s Sunday afternoon!

Well, the prompt is REFLECT and this is the perfect time to do just that in this forum — with hundreds of my friends and colleagues at Kate’s place (http://katemotaung.com/2015/12/10/five-minute-friday-reflect-plus-a-year-end-survey/).

So, the timer is set for five minutes, so let’s GO …

It almost went unnoticed, but I recently drafted my 500th post, In fact, this my 507th. Where has the time gone?

But it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the blog, look back at my intent and whether I have been successful or not in staying with my mission.

Overall, I think I have been true to my initial goal … to share my life and values through my words. I tried not to pontificate or proselytize, and I have shunned from commenting on too many topical events. After all, who needs another “opinion” from someone who doesn’t know all the facts.

But I have tried to lead by example … to let my life reflect my beliefs … to let my words be the wick for the light.  I think — no I hope — that has been the case.

I have learned through feedback … STOP

… it is the simple sentences that resonant the most. The “Thoughts” I conclude my posts with are short, to the point statements from others that touch the soul of readers.

The other thing that amazes me is the blog’s reach … all over the world — literally. Readers from countries I never heard of have read my words. I’ve had readers comment from all continents with different cultures and customs. That, my friends, is humbling. And it shows, at the heart, we all have similar joys and concerns, similar hopes and dreams, similar experiences. In short, we’re all in this together.

It has been a privilege sharing my life with you and having you share your lives with me. Hopefully, we’ll continue this relationship for another 500 posts.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse. — Philip Yancey