It is the day after Christmas, 2009. For some it is a day of relief… all the cooking, guests coming & going, traveling, eating – it’s all history now. For some it is a day of sadness… all the cooking, guests coming & going, traveling, eating – it’s all now history. Same day, two different outlooks.

One of us really dreads all the extra activity created by holidays. Another one of us absolutely loves all the excitement, attention, and buzz in the air. Nobody is right or wrong here, just different. And it is okay to have different opinions about matters like these, right? It is just one more reminder that we are a world full of people with unique views, interests, likes & dislikes. Diversity.

The day after Christmas, for me, signifies the beginning of the end of the year. In just six days it will be next year. I am one of those who likes to use this moment as a springboard into reflecting on what was, being reminded about what is, and mostly anticipating what will be. There is a competing attitude that sort of looks back all the time, and keeps one attached to the undoable past in a negative manner. I would ask that whoever needs a little nudge for having a renewed hope for tomorrow to join me in taking our best shot at what the Apostle Paul once wrote to a group of Jesus-followers long ago when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” If we all look ahead, what a difference we can make. Unity.