Hoping for a better 2010

AMERICUS — As we turn another page in the history of our lives, bidding farewell to 2009, and welcoming 2010, let’s not forget what we have learned this past year. Living and learning will make the new challenges less formidable, but it takes some good common sense.

First of all, let’s not forget that it’s not important how much money you have, but how you spend it. If you want to hold onto it, fine. If you want to blow it on yourself on frivolous possessions, so be it. If you want to spend it on a worthwhile cause, that’s even better. But when it’s all gone, please don’t expect the rest of us to give you anymore of ours. While the new president seeks a redistribution of wealth, that means from one our pockets to another’s pockets, and it doesn’t involve his pocket or the pocket so any member of Congress. Don’t get sick or injured this year. Do everything you can to avoid it. If you’ve been on the government dole all your life, this won’t affect you at all. But if you have always been a hard-working, tax paying middle American, you may as well try to find a witch doctor, because your name on the waiting list will be way, way, way, way, waaaaaaayyyyyy near the bottom.

Don’t forget our troops or their families. The fine men and women who have volunteered to serve our country need to know that the folks back home remember them and appreciate their service. When you meet a veteran, shake his/her hand and say thank you. If you are aware of the family of a military serviceman, be kind and help out when you can. It might take as little as an occasional phone call, or you might even “adopt” a family for a while. It will enrich your own life as much as it helps theirs.

Forgive those who seek your destruction. This could mean Al Qaeda or it could mean the person sitting at the desk next you, or someone who don’t even know. Evil is evil, even unto itself. Evil and hatred destroy from the inside. It can destroy its source. If you hate someone who has done something terrible to you; forgive them. This will make you healthier and more whole, and besides, they will get what they deserve some day.

Have some faith. None of us knows what each day will bring. It could be happiness or sorrow, success or failure, joy or disappointment. All it takes to make it a good day, in spite of what it might bring, is faith that whatever comes your way, you are not alone. There is someone looking out for you, who will not ever give you so much to bear that you can't handle it. It’s the most empowering feeling in the word.

We sincerely hope that 2010 brings many joys to you and your families. We also hope it brings peace, prosperity and good health to each of you.

Happy New Year.

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