Christmas Eve reflections

I've spent the past half-hour looking at old e-mails and reflecting on the year that was 2006. The long winter, the hopeful spring, the horrific summer, the promising fall with the move and promotion, and the seemingly happy ending. I'm not sure it would make a great movie, and it was pretty awful to live through. I think it's going down as a tie with 2003 (Year of Cancer) for the worst years of my first 35. It was at times exhilarating and excruciating, but ultimately positively transformative. I'm emerging into the new year changed for the better.

So what did we learn, Mr. Merritt?

1) No matter how hard we try, life doesn't always turn out the way we plan.
2) That's ok. Roll with it.
3) It's true that whatever happens, you can always rely on your family.
4) Trust your instincts above all else.
5) Act in your own best interest, but love everyone around you.
6) Support sometimes comes from unexpected places.
7) No matter how badly you've been hurt, it feels good to believe.

Thank you: Becky, for being a fearless sounding board and talking me through countless days of insanity. Jeff, for steadfastly being there and for always telling me Dad would be proud. Kate, for all of those nights you "just invited" me over for dinner. Scott, for being as much of a brother to me as anyone related by blood. Mom, for helping me move (twice), and really for everything. Joe, for being my pastor and my friend from 2000 miles away and getting me through two of the worst nights of the year by just listening. John, for your friendship, for your superhuman help with the move, and for telling me that "every day I hope you're not going to be here." Janine, for calling when you did and saying you were going to get me out of there. Amanda, for the endless support, even when I make you crazy. And last but far from least, Colette, for arriving on the scene in time to remind me both that Christmas is truly a magical time of year and that there is goodness and light in this world.

Merry Christmas to you all.