At the end of each year, I take a moment to look back
On the days that have passed
The laughter.  The tears.  the tragedies and triumphs
The victories, and the defeats
Resolutions that I've kept -
And the ones long forgotten
What have I learned?
How have I grown?
How far do I still have to go?

I close my eyes, watching the faces as they dance
Before me
Thanking God for every person that has touched my life
And changed me
I am grateful for each one
Not just for the joy they have brought into my life
But also for the pain
It is not only the laughter but the tears
That shape our souls
And enlighten or being

We are continually being molded and refined by the powerful
Hand of love
As if God himself is reaching down and touching us
Creating in us all a unique masterpiece that can be perfected
Only with time
We are a tapestry of people and places
Woven together by our choices
And we are constantly changing

Each day brings with it the promise of a
New beginning
Each year brings new roads to cross
And mountains to climb
I look ahead with excitement and joy
Praising God
For every moment that I have been given
The duty to seize
And for every person I've been give the
Opportunity
To share these moments with