I know the New Year began midnight January 1st but it just didn't feel like it until it was time to head back to work and school from the holiday break. Well...we are back. Happy New Year!! Perhaps some thing wanted to hold on to last year a little longer. My intellect says, "Why?" Last year was challenging to say the least. Right up until the ball dropped there were financial struggles, loss of loved ones, stress, and health problems. Why linger until January 4th? That is my intellect. My soul says, "convert all the challenges into energy to worship and show intimate appreciation for making it in spite of." As bad as it got, reality is it could have been worse. Never in my life has the protective and providing hand of God been so visible than in 2009. Yes, it could have been worse. Many people, family and friends, assumed it was worse...but to the glory of God it wasn't. 2009 was the best and safest place for me to be. I was in His perfect will. How about you?