"There comes a time for all of us when we must be more that what we are," Lloyd Alexander. This quotation comes from a children's book, and today, the last day of 2008, I see far more of a child in myself than seems right. I see many traits that I would not allow in my children, cultivated and grown in the garden of my heart. A new year is upon me, and in it, I see the need to become more than what I am.

I am one that complains. I find the worst in everything, and dwell on it. I am selfish. I do not love.

So, my prayer is that in this new year, I would, by the power and might of God's spirit in me, live differently. That I would replace complaint with thanksgiving, selfishness with grace, and that all things would be bathed in love...God's love.

And so, welcome 2009.