Each year bears the promise of something new. Isn’t it the case, however, that a lot of what is old and often undesirable simply rolls past December 31st and demands attention January 1? This year is no exception to this calendar axiom. 2008 has already shown a penchant for bringing yesteryear’s troubles face to face with this year’s challenges. This circumstance of life would be terminally depressing if all I had to turn to was my ability to control or change my situation.

Fortunately I am not my own; I belong to God, being purchased through the sacrifice of the cross of Jesus Christ. In that state of grace I live and breathe and I am deeply grateful to God for loving and caring for me no matter what joys or disappointments lurk behind the numbered boxes on my office wall. Each day the call goes out to all who claim to be disciples of Jesus, “Deny yourself, take up your cross…and follow me!”.

I can think of nothing better to do.