a tribute to 2025

There’s a box in my bedroom that I’ve had since I was a toddler. Inside, it contains tangible memories throughout the years: movie stubs, playbills, graduation cards, and every single birthday card I’ve ever received.

I’ve made it a point to revisit the memory box at the conclusion of every year, voyaging through the past 365 days. I’m 19 now, onto the second box—call it Volume Two.

It’s effortless to let this box sit in the corner of my room, collecting dust, and neglect its contents until the time to recapitulate the year on social media arrives.

Likewise, it’s incredibly easy to live each day thinking about what the next one holds. I became fixated on my plans and future and completely disregarded the bounty which the Lord provided me yesterday, and the day before, and before that.

• The joy people bring to my face.
• Moments of solitude in the middle of a lake.
• Countless shoes cluttering up entryways.
• Perspective-altering campfire talks.
• Sipping on bobbies and browsing through record stores.

Every single thing is a blessing.

Don’t get me wrong—the future is holding a basket of opportunity, favor, and uncontrollable laughter. My creativity will be unparalleled to where it stands today.

But may I make an intention to treat every day as a recap and show my gratitude not just for the plans He will fulfill, but also for what has already come to fruition—

not just when the year comes to an end.

• Everything is worthy of thanksgiving.
• Gratitude is not always a feeling, but a posture of faithfulness.
• Time, and all it beholds, is a gift.

I think 2026 will be the year where the box lid stays open evermore:

where the future is anticipated, and the past is preserved.