So today is a new day, and a few days ago was a new year. I don't really know how to eulogize 2007 at this point, but I will try to think of something nice and appropriate. 2007 was beguiling, I can say that. It came in looking like promise and possibility, and proved to be anything but. It was hard, and awkward. Most everything became a setback, people said one thing and did another. Business relationships were tested and strained. Dishonesty reared its ugly face. "Friends" stopped calling when I simply wanted to hear their voice. Some asked for favors with no intentions of reciprocity (I have loved that word since Lauryn Hill's 'Ex-Factor' song).
I tried to remain humble and focus, often failing and forgetting my place. I faltered, lost sight of my goals. I was shell shocked at times, disoriented by the sometimes staccato ebb and flow of life's rhythms, I so need a rhythm to things. But there were small victories: I still gave of myself unconditionally. I did things that made me uncomfortable because I understood the bigger picture. I committed in situations I previously ran from. I drove long distances just to say I love you, if in action and nothing else. I shook off crippling and debilitating clouds of self-doubt and procrastination. I started going back to church for crying out loud.
Although I don't stand here any richer for it, I am enriched. Though I have few more material trappings than when I started 2007, I have gained so much more. This will be a big year, because it has to be...because I need it to be. I'm sure some big hardships will come to attempt to steal my joy, but I have something for that. Faith. It has been my mainstay when I had every reason to throw my hands up.
While that may not sound like much to some, it gives me every reason to believe this will be an awesome year. Because 2007 was so maddening and arduous, i believe that when I look back, it will be a defining year.
I simply hope it will mark the beginning of something beautiful.

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