Good Bye 2011

Can you believe it? We've reached the end of another year! It has been over 10 months since I walked out of that factory for the last time and it seems like just a few days. As the age meter continues to rise, it seems like life in my world is a runaway train heading down hill. There are constant reminders that indeed life is "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away". Take a moment and watch the steam rise from a boiling pot – on the eternal timeline, that is very much representative of our lifespan. Without hope for the hereafter, life would be empty and meaningless and many people wander through life questioning why we are here and where we are going. The answers to those questions have been revealed for those who are willing to accept it – "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" and "…as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…". We are put here to serve the Creator and then face Him to be judged accordingly when life ends.

During 2011 there have been several occasions where life has indeed ended for people I either knew or those close to someone I know. There have also been several beginnings as little ones have been born to people who are a part of my life. Life begins. Life ends. So it is with mankind. So at the end of this year and as 2012 begins, what can be said about our lives? Are we better individuals than we were a year ago? Have we accomplished anything worthwhile? Are the lives of the people we've touched throughout the year better because of our influence? "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." We have the ability to make others better people and become better ourselves or we can affect others in a negative manner. As the New Year arrives, this writer hopes to be able to help each person whose life intersects with mine to be better because our paths crossed.

As another year begins and we make plans for whatever future we may have, let us all remember why we are here and do something good for the folks around us. I have so much to be thankful for; the sun is out, it's a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful little family, reasonably good health, there are deer to hunt and fish to catch – life is good! Here's to a better world in 2012!