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Highlands Today

All The Seasons Matter

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2009

There's something about a brand new year that's invigorating and refreshing. It's like starting over again with a clean slate.

For those of us fortunate to live in the Sunshine State, there's even a feeling that spring is in the air - or at least right around the corner. Easter lily bulbs placed in our garden years ago have once again faithfully broken through sandy soil. They're already sturdy green plants that hold the promise of fragrant blooms by Easter Day 2009.

We received an e-mail video this week called "Seasons of Life." The message that stayed with us was, "If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall. Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches, and better times are sure to come."

January is traditionally the month in which we all collect our financial statements and revisit last year's facts and figures. We do this not only for the IRS, but also for our own budgets and plans for a new year. Both can be a challenge in the current economic environment.

We're called to be better stewards than we may have been in the past. Some refer to it as "tightening our belts." When times are tough, Americans get stronger. Our core values rise to the surface. Hope springs eternal in our hearts.

It's times like these when we tend to not take things for granted. We find ourselves wasting less and appreciating more. We're apt to keep our possessions longer and take better care of them. Adjectives like "disposable" and "instant" no longer appeal. Nor do they apply to items we might consider purchasing.

Priorities come into focus. Decisions must be made. "Keeping the home fires burning" takes on a whole new meaning. Extravagant trips and long distance travel are less prevalent during lean times. We learn to truly appreciate local sights and destinations within a few hours drive from home. Again, we are truly blessed to call Central Florida our home.

Rather than making and breaking New Year's resolutions, focusing on our strengths and the collective strength of our fellow citizens makes for a better future. It's a time to hope for the best and envision brighter days to come.

William Arthur Ward once wrote of a new year. It was published in "The Family Album." The year was 1976. He began, "I believe in the beauty, the possibilities and the promises of this year. Trees that are now barren of leaves will burst forth again in the spring to provide assurance, shade and fruit as they have since time began. Tiny bodies that are now growing and developing inside their mothers will become healthy babies who will be loved, cared for and nurtured."

He continued, "Ideas that now lie dormant in the minds of man will find complete expression this year. Poems and books that are now but embryos will mature into classics of wisdom and inspiration. Man's prayers will be heard and answered. Friendships will be formed and strengthened. Difficulties will be met and mastered. Challenges will be faced and conquered. Victories will be achieved and celebrated. I confidently expect this to be a great year, because I constantly will be looking for the best."

And, so it is with every New Year. Happy bright and shining 2009!

©2009 Journey Publications

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. They're the authors of Coping With Caring and Sharing The Care. They facilitate a weekly Alzheimer's caregiver support group Thursdays 1-2 PM at Sebring Christian Church, 4514 Hammock Rd., Sebring. Call 402-0464 for i

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