here's to a new year. . .and a beautiful world

I'm so happy to start 2009! I don't know exactly why, but my heart is full of excitement and hope for what this year will bring. Each year seems to bring the unexpected, both joyful and painful, and I'm sure this year will be no different. But maybe it's the unknown that intrigues me.

I'm a big fan of the card game Rook, although only if it involves my brother-in-law Darrell, because he makes me very competitive. (I like nothing better than beating Darrell in Rook. Well, almost.) Anyway, what I like best about this card game- and Darrell, Courtney, and Alyssa can attest to this- is finding out what is in "the middle". You know, the cache of cards that are awarded to the player risky enough to take the bid. Ideally, the one who takes the bid has been dealt a strategically sound hand. However, often I am driven to take the bid, not because I have a great hand, but because I am dying to see what is in those cards. Sometimes it serves me well, other times it makes me groan in despair. It's the old, "I'm sorry partner." If I'd known, I'd have never taken the bid. Or would I? Even if it's painful, in the end I'm still kind of glad. There is such fun in the discovery.

I think my Rook strategy is a bit like starting a new year. I'm looking ahead to twelve months of unknown possibilities. And I have to be honest, it's a bit exciting. In fact, really exciting. I'm just dying to know what's in "the middle". And who knows? It may be joyful, or it might turn out to be a little painful. There will surely be a few moments when I have to say, "Sorry, partner. I shouldn't have done that". But when all is said and done, despite the mistakes in strategy and the unavoidable bad turns, I hope to look back at 2009 and say with a shrug, "I'm glad I took the risk. There was such fun in the discovery". I read a statement last night in the book The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. He wrote, "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want." I loved that. Life is full of experience.

I awoke this morning to Emmy's tale of angels visiting during the night. She said she woke up and when she looked out the window, there were angels in our yard, flying all around. A bit later, when she elaborated this event to Courtney, the tooth fairy was even involved. And now just a few minutes ago, we looked outside at the beautiful snow covered fields and mountains. My heart felt so happy and blessed at the scene. Just then, Emmy snuggled up and said excitedly, "See, mom! Can you see how the snow is all sparkly? The fairies did that!"

How can I not be filled with excitement and hope for the beautiful world and the year that lies ahead? I have fairy dust in my own back yard.