HOW DO WE FACE THE FUTURE?

For many of us the New Year came and went without too much of a big celebration. In fact, it surfaced and disappeared rather quietly. Many of us did not have the means to go and celebrate in much "pomp and circumstance.” We were still trying to recoup from the expense of Christmas and all of the monthly bills as well. It may take some time for many of us to get back on our feet again due to lost jobs, foreclosures, higher priced groceries, higher gas prices, heating cost increases, credit card bills, etc. But, we still weren't facing the many disasters the rest of the world was.

The New Year came with quite a bang in Gaza, and with it rocket and mortar shell attacks that killed hundreds of people. After repeated rocket attacks of the militant group Hamas against Israel, the Israelis have returned the military action by beginning a ground invasion. Although many Muslim countries side with Hamas, even though it is a terrorist organization, think how our country would respond (hypothetically of course), if Cuba, Mexico, or Canada would suddenly attack any part of our land? Wouldn't our country resist that type of military action? Of course, we would. What's heartbreaking, however, is how many innocent civilians-men, women, and children on both sides end up getting killed. A cease fire is the only solution to the killing.

And, what of Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Darfur, and other countries? From what we read in the paper and hear on the news, the beginning of the New Year was anything but quiet in those countries. I feel sad when I think back on my life and realize there has always been war somewhere in the world since I was a child. And tragedies have always occurred since the beginning of time. When will the human race begin to get along with one another, respect one another, and work with one another? I fear it may never happen, or at least not in my life time.

On January 20, our new President, Barak Obama steps in to President George Bush's shoes. He will have a difficult road ahead for him to try and put our country back on its feet economically and financially. We may have some reservations, however, we need to en-courage him and all pull together to help it happen. 

Now, that all sounds so negative, doesn't it? But, we don't as individuals have to look at our lives that way. We have a choice how we look at life. We don't have to be pessimistic, but we can look at life hopefully on the bright side, and make the best of what our circumstances are, and continually strive to achieve an attitude of optimism. We don't have to be unrealistic, but optimistic. So, put a smile on your face, treat everyone as you would want them to treat you. A kind word goes a long way. Do the best you can each day, and continue to hope that tomorrow will be a better day. At least, that's what my mother always said, and you know, she was right. So, "Happy New Year" everyone, and I pray it is a good one.

Helen L. Price