I was mentioning to a friend tonight how New Year’s Day  always feels strange to me. I never really know how I am supposed to spend it. It usually produces a few tinges of melancholy as our family traditionally takes down all of the Christmas decorations and put back up our standard, year round decor. Generally, I feel somewhat reflective, asking myself what I accomplished in the recently passed 12 months and what couple major things do I want to complete this coming 12 months. I turned 50 in December.  This has added more significance to the reflecting I am doing. I had two resolutions for 2013. One was to finish my doctorate. The other, was to start a blog. Though it took all 12 months, I was able to check those two things off.  In this next year what do I find myself wanting to undertake? I have a few things. There is a reading list. It is broken up into the categories of books on leadership, faith, understanding people better, and a few I promised my daughters I would read (finish the Harry Potter series and read the Hunger Games trilogy). Another project that has been a long time coming that needs to happen in 2014  is purging the basement of my clutter. Jane and I have set a goal of celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary by taking a special trip together. Finally, I want to live this year being more generous. I want to be generous not only with material things but also in extending forgiveness, mercy,  acceptance, and joy to others.

I hope your 2013 was a good year. I am rooting for you in 2014. May it be a year of growing in peace, fulfillment, and love.

God bless,

Jerry