Sunday Spotlight - Changes, Thanksgiving, & New Ventures Oh My!

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone once again.  WOW.  This year is nearly over, as there are only 5 more weeks until 2012.  Each year at this time, especially after I hit 30, and even moreso after entering my 40's last year, I start to think the same thing... "WHERE did the time go?"  Right after the new year begins we start the "birthday cycle" all over again.  My middle child will become a teenager in January; my eldest will officially hit the age where he will be eligible to drive as he turns 16 in February; also in February my lovely bride who is aging more gracefully than I will add another candle to her cake (though I won't give the number); our marriage clock will continue to advance to the # 18 in March; and then the baby of the household, my daughter, will turn a big 8 in April.  Time continues to march on - and in just a couple of more years we'll be facing that first all too large change in our household... the departure of child #1 off to some sort of college educational venture.


As I look back at what has transpired in 2011 so far, there are lots of things to be thankful for; several things to pause and reflect upon; others brought about big changes; and some were just sad to deal with. Some changes continue to reverberate weeks or months after the initial change took place - such as the loss of employment, deaths and other family upheavals.  Some changes are barely remembered as having happened this year.  But even with the wide variety of changes this year, I give thanks. Even when the days seemed darkest and bleak - I have given thanks. Too often we lull ourselves into complacency, and we need a good shaking up.  That's exactly how I've viewed 2011... the year the complacency was shaken, stirred and removed from our lives.


Tomorrow I depart for south Florida for several days of training for a new venture I am undertaking.  I am looking forward to it, even though I have some trepidation in the back of my mind.  But that's okay. I have been complacent for far too long, and need some new excitement that causes waves of trepidation.  I will write more about this experience before me in the days ahead.  But for now - know that once again, change is before me, and I think I'm ready for it.  Or am I?