Seasons come and go each one moving us toward our future. In the Spring we are drawn outside, we look to the mountains covered with the richness of new life, and are drawn to new heights as we feed on the power surrounding us.

The renewing of Spring flows into the activity of the Summer season. This is the time of year we get things done. The Summer is full of useful activity, these are the days of preparation a time when our powers are strong.

All too soon the days begin to cool down, a hint of coldness drifts into the night air. It is then that the wisdom and beauty of the fall burst into color all around us as nature again draws us into her arms. In the fall we discover beauty in death, a sense of completeness that the work of the summer is over and it is time to rest.

Days become shorter as Winter invites us to come away and rest awhile. Buried in the dark night of W inter we find time for reflection, healing and growth. Amid this time of inactivity can be found the perfection of the yearly round of life. In the cold recesses of the Winter Season is found a place to bury the mistakes of the year that is ending, a place to find forgiveness and to learn to forgive.

It’s time for a new year, a new beginning. We are not who we were last year. We are not who we will be next year. We are each on a road that twists and turns us through the experiences of our lives. At some point our roads have crossed and we have shared a few precious minutes. The words of encouragement that have passed between us have meant the world to me.

Words mean things, they are all we have and if used correctly they can convey, hope, encouragement, and love. On the other hand when we act rashly and without concern for the feelings of others our words can deeply cut and wound the spirits of those we come in contact with.

The Father has filled our lives with so many places to begin again. It is my prayer that this year will be a new beginning for each of you. That this precious time you have been given will not be wasted, left unimproved and barren.

My wish is that each of you will renew with the Spring so your Summer will be fruitful and you Fall full of wisdom and bounty. Then in the Winter your hearts will be warmed as you reflect with satisfaction on a job well done, a life well lived.