At this time of the year I always try to pause, reflect on the past year and review the gifts (lessons) I've received. Two thousand eleven seemed to go very fast. Our family was healthy, the children flew the coop, and for the most part life was good.
This was a year of hope and inspiration as we as a nation were challenged with coming together to create the next stage in the evolution of our country. The fact that ours has become a global economy is something we became more accustomed to. During the past year, we hoped and prayed that our elected representatives would find the power to come to a compromise that might benefit all.
At the state level, we are dealing with issues of border proximity. Many other states are watching Arizona to see how we deal with this most important issue and all of its complexities.
At the local level, we are seeing the need to come together as a community at new and higher levels. Spending our dollars and staying close to home became more and more important.
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It was the first year that a huge demographic occurrence burst into bloom. This year marked the beginning of the baby boomers turning 65. It will be the start of 76 million boomers doing what they swore they would never do - get old!
I guess the best thing about this year is that we had jobs and our health. So many folks in our community are dealing with the issues of unemployment and how to pay the mortgage.
Staying in good shape has come to the forefront as all are starting to understand the realities of the new extended life expectancy. Life seems to have become a 95-year marathon instead of a 65-year dash.
During these most challenging economic times, we have the distinct opportunity to be "humbled." Being truly humbled can be one of the most precious gifts that God can give us.
When humbled, we are in the position to find out what is really important. It can be reduced to arriving at a better understanding of who we are instead of what we are; what relationships we have instead of what "things" we have.
When humbled, the importance of family, friends, community and faith rise above our jobs. When humbled we can find our way to create the changes necessary in our lives. It is during the darkest hours that we stand at the precipice of tremendous growth both as people and as community.
All in all it was a year where personal growth and coming together as a community was at the forefront of our everyday lives. It seems that our job in 2012 will be to build on all that we learned about ourselves last year.
Our family wishes you and yours the best of health and happiness in the new year!
Enjoy the journey,
Bob
E-mail Bob Oro at northwest@azstarnet.com
