A New Year and a New Beginning......

Happy New Year 2012! Wow, isn't it interesting to enter a new year and reflect on the past 12 months? As I look back, I remember how Regan and I thought the same thing last NYE looking back on 2011.....how we were so glad to see that year pass. Here we are once again, a new year, glad again to see 2011 in our past. Why is it that we are able to look back with regret much easier than giving thanks that God included us to experience it all? Where would we be if 2011 hadn't panned out to be what it was......I have to wake up and look at it in a different light. If it weren't for what we have experienced, we wouldn't be where we are right now at this very second. When I say this, I have to also tell myself, "Laura, it's not the "physical" where you are....as it is all of the "other" where you ares...." (hope this all makes sense in my crazy words...)

Now I look into the future. I have to be honest as I type this...it's much easier to look to some of the bad "what ifs" of what the future might hold. As 2012 is well underway, I pray to look at the wonderful possibilities which lie ahead and not the "what ifs" of this dark, broken world.

Earlier in the Advent season, I had some deeper thoughts (for me) throughout the fast-paced craze of Christmas preparations. Our family was preparing to light the Advent candles one Sunday and that week I read over the liturgy. Honestly, I looked at it as just words that first time, but as Sunday morning approached, I had some sort of sentiment towards the words I would read....about Mary.....about how she was willing to accept God's call to do what he had in his plans for her.....to have the courage to fulfill God's call.....how scared Mary had to be to bear the Holy Child, the Son of God, the Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace....

...and yet, she did just that! She accepted the call. How many times have I thought to myself that there is NO WAY in the world that I can do any difficult task, large or small, just because it was unfamiliar, scary, and the honest fact that it was just too much work for me? I am embarrassed to say that the times are numerous.....but I look now to the task that was in front of Mary and see my difficult tasks in a different way. If Mary was willing to fulfill this huge call, as scary as it was, than surely I can press forward with the willingness to fulfill the calls that God has placed before me and respond with "Here I Am, Lord..."

May your 2012 be full of fearless tasks waiting to be approached with joy and amazing willingness that each of us can accomplish as we look to Mary and what she was willing to do.

In love, peace and joy for 2012,

Laura