Happy New Year 2008!

I found myself thinking last night about what I had accomplished in 2007 and what I wanted to do in 2008, probably as thousands of others across the world were doing at the same time. My thoughts moved from what I had accomplished to what I am thankful for. I thought I would post a few here.

I am thankful for:

• Love. I am so lucky to receive it in many forms from family and friends and feel an obligation to give it to others.
• Family. My nuclear family and extended family are loving, supportive, funny, and nuts (as all families should be) and I wouldn't change a thing about them.
• Friends. Really, they belong in the Family column for me. Where would I be without their constant support and encouragement? I am so grateful to my friends for giving themselves and their hearts so freely.
• Work. I am thankful to have a job that allows me to provide for my family. I am thankful that my husband and I have jobs in which we are able to serve the community in a tangible, valuable way.

I have resolutions like everyone else. I want to exercise more and lose these last 10 lbs that I still have on my frame 2 years after Jacob was born. I want to focus on giving back in truly important ways without getting caught up in the politics of volunteer groups. I want to learn to knit. It seems frivolous but some of my most cherished possessions are the afghans that my Grandmother has knitted for my family and I want to pass that onto my kids. Lastly and most importantly, I just want to cherish my life, my family, my husband, my kids each and every day. In the past few weeks, I have been reminded how life can change on you in an instant. This year, I intend to be thankful everyday for the life I have and the gifts I can give to others.

So I leave you with this prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. I have found they are good words to live by.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred let us sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, union; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek; To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

(That's a big AMEN from me.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!