It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. It seems like we were swept up in the whirlwind of the new millenium and have not yet touched ground. Yet, we know that an entire year has just raced by and we are left still trying to catch our collective breath. During the past year we agonized over the anticipated chaos of Y2K; we endured one of the hottest summers on record; and, at this writing we are still awaiting the result of one of the most exciting presidential elections in recent history. Daily we filled the task lists in our business and electronic organizers and nightly we dismayed that we accomplished only a small fraction of those items. Where has the time gone?

Lest we despair over our perceived loss of productivity, consider for a moment some of the ways in which we spent our time this past year and what those moments meant to us and to others. You were blessed and were a blessing if … you spent time consoling a parent over the loss of a child … you listened patiently and cheerfully to your spouse tell the same story for the 12th time … you allowed your child to be less than perfect and loved them anyway … you used fifteen minutes of your time just talking with your mom or dad … you made your co-worker's day by providing an unexpected kindness … you took a moment and visited someone who was lonely or depressed … you saw someone without a smile and gave them one of yours … you read a story or a piece of mail to someone who could not do so for themselves … you really listened to the concerns of someone else … you spoke a kind word to someone who expected to be condemned … you helped care for a little one who needed you … you were employed by C.A.R.C. If you check your organizer, it is unlikely you will find any of the above listed on your to-do list; but what a difference those little things have made in your life and in the lives of others.

During the coming year may we remember what is truly important in life and continue to share those things as much as possible, now and forever. We may not get to check off a lot of items on our lists, but we will accomplish much. We may not be the best organized but we will be the best loved. What a great way to spend a year! May this holiday season and the coming year be the best in memory for you and yours.

For comments or inquiries you can send email to Kara Lynn