Well, another year is upon us.  A new year.  A fresh start.  A clean slate.  With the myriad of possibilities, it's no wonder a new year holds a hint of magic.

And miracle of all miracles, I even saw this year in.  More often than not, I celebrate closer to Eastern time, rather than the Mountain to which I belong.  But this year was different.  This year I joined my mom in celebrating with people I had never before met.  We had a grand time!  In attendance was a family visiting from Brazil.  The parents could speak no English, and we of course, could speak no Portuguese.  And so we communicated as best we could ... with signs, and smiles, and many a head nod. 

I dare say, there's nothing quite as thrilling as communicating with someone in spite of a language barrier.  It connects you on a level that no word can attest.  Perhaps it's the fact that you can no longer rely on fluff.  You cannot fall back on the weather, or other idle chitchat.  Instead you must focus on the other person.  You must be intent on finding something - anything - they might understand.  In other words, you must try. 

As we head off into 2008, I pray that we will try our best with all who cross our path.  In doing so, I pray this year will find us surrounded with family - both dear and estranged; friends - old and new; and blessings - small and spectacular.

Finally, I leave you with this ...

"'The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you

and give you peace.'"   

--Numbers 6:24-26