Over the past year, I crossed the threshold into my fifties. Jenny and I commemorated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, and as of this month, we find ourselves in a new phase of life: our children are no longer teenagers. It feels as though just a handful of years have slipped by since I first embarked on my journey as an educator, a mere moment has passed since we exchanged vows, and the blink of an eye separates us from the day we welcomed our children into the world. In truth, time has swept us forward, carrying with it an array of experiences—joyful moments, sorrowful stretches, and periods of frustration. Yet, predominantly, life has been ordinary, full of mundane days where little of note unfolds. But, amid these everyday occurrences, there are days that stand as milestones, etched in memory. Days that evoke a sense of accomplishment, mark pivotal changes, and breathe vitality into life. Be it the birth of a child, the crossing of the graduation stage, or the passing of a loved one these are not only pivotal for personal growth but also offer a chance to capture the essence of the day, preserving emotions and memories for the future, either for our own revisiting or for sharing with others.
In the Old Testament, a tale is told of Joshua and the Israelites. Their path to the promised land was blocked by the Jordan River. With divine intervention, the river parted, enabling their crossing. Joshua led the twelve tribes in adorning the riverbed with boulders, which they erected in the Promised Land, a place they named Gilgal. These twelve stones stood as a testament to God's miraculous support, reminding them of a life-altering event.
In our modern context, commemorating milestones—whether in education, profession, or personal life—provides a platform for recognising achievements and fostering connections with family, friends, and colleagues. Amid the routine of life, revisiting positive memories tied to our accomplishments can kindle the motivation needed to pursue future aspirations. Significant milestones facilitate the transition into new phases of life, giving structure and meaning to change. Weddings—an emblem of unity. Baby showers transcend mere gift-giving; they honour the journey into parenthood. Celebrating the culmination of educational chapters like GCSEs, A-levels, or university degrees marks the passage into fresh territories, whether that involves further studies or entry into the workforce—each endeavour comes with shifting roles, friendships, and opportunities.
In the vast expanse of our lives, milestones act as guiding beacons, helping us navigate by pointing towards cherished memories and influential individuals. While the rocks from the riverbed have been substituted with photographs, certificates, and festivities, the act of recording, commemorating, celebrating, and anticipating milestones remains as vital today as it was when Joshua's footsteps graced the Jordan.