Beyond the Ending

 

Closed Path

I thought that my voyage had come to its end

at the last limit of my power, 

...that the path before me was closed

that provisions were exhausted

and the time had come to take shelter in a silent obscurity.

But I find that they will knows no end in me. 

And when old words die out on the tongue,

new melodies break forth from the heart;

and where the old tracks are lost,

new country is revealed with its wonders.

Rabindranath Tagore

The cycle of life consists of a new beginning followed by an ending.  This cycle is repeated in our thoughts, actions, and deeds.  Birth, death, and rebirth is seen everywhere in nature and in every human beings existence.
We can experience death and rebirth within a very short period of time or experience a very prolonged span for action followed by consequences.  A synchronised  moment can give life to a dying thought.  A coincidence can birth a brand new beginning.  A spiritual epiphany can restore our dying human spirit.
It is part of the human voyage to experience situations like a hole in the bottom of the boat, appearing to be 'the death of me' or 'the end of me' only to discover life has not abandoned us after all.  We may find our selves washed up on shore, penniless, but cleansed and prepared for a new start.
Tonight at midnight, the year of 2012 ends and the year of 2013 offers us a new beginning.  We must see beyond the ending and chart our course to being a better 'me' which will improve our actions towards all others.  If we can but carry just one thought beyond this ending into the new year, let it be  to embrace each other, respecting diversity.