Happy New Year!

Amazing! 2008! Where has the last year gone?! Where have the last eight years gone?! Seems like just yesterday we were anxiously waiting the turn of this century, wondering if Y2K was real and life as we know it was going to change. I can't remember time passing so fast.

I'm sitting here watching the Tournament of Roses Parade. Something I've done all my life. What a change it has taken as well. So much more elaborate. Beautiful. Always brings back memories of Mama hollering across the house that the parade was on, and we all came running. I think the highlight back then was when the giant Snoopy balloon would come around the corner. Well, actually, I believe that may be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but you know what I mean, what stands out to us changes as we grow older. Now we focus on details more. I now see the many small flowers that make the whole beautiful float. Watching the parade this morning reminds me of how God sees our life as a parade, He can see it from an aerial view, from beginning to end, we only see what is passing right in front of us. That is how he sees time.

Another tradition...black eyed peas are cooking as I write. Later we will eat a cup or two for prosperity in the new year and add to that some cornbread, ham and fried potatoes for a few more pounds, to top off the other ten or so I've gained over the last month. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. A day we will all start our new year resolutions. One of those for many, including myself will be to lose some weight.

Although losing weight is unfortunately one of many peoples resolutions, I know it will be one of many other resolutions we make. I know the saying is, resolutions are made to be broken, but mine is a prayer not a resolution. A prayer to refocus on what is really important in life. On family and friends and those relationships that are more important than work. A prayer to refocus on my relationship with God. To go deeper into the well where the water is sweeter and cooler and more refreshing. A place where my mind is freed of clutter, and my heart is inspired beyond my imagination.

I was listening to an inspirational speaker this morning for just a few minutes before turning over to the parade. He was speaking about how just like when we cut a slice of apple pie and transfer it to a plate it is separate but still a part of the whole that it was created as...an apple pie, not a pineapple or cherry, it doesn't change because it has been removed from the whole. It is the same way with us. We may be separated from our creator by this body but we are still part of His spirit. A spirit that is inspired by His spirit. If we would just be quiet and listen we would hear His Spirit inspiring our spirit. Inspiring us to dream and be creative. Inspiring us to our calling. But we, in our independence, have developed an EGO. We can go it on our own. We don't need to be inspired or motivated by God. We "Edge God Out"...EGO. Wow! I don't ever want to edge God out of the purpose or calling of my life.

So my prayer for this new year is not to let my "ego" take over, but to be still and quiet more, to linger in His presence more, to shut my mouth and open my ears and heart and keep God close and listen for His voice, His purpose, His calling for my life. To embrace life with all the energy I can muster. To love without measure, God, family and friends. To make new friends at every crossroad. To enjoy every season with a new intensity. To take every advantage to express my love to all those that matter so much to me.

To inhale and exhale slowly the moments that take my breath away...and smell each tiny flower that makes up the whole beautiful float of my life.