looking back

        We're about to start a brand new year, but I think the old one deserves a proper good-by first.  So I've been spending some quiet hours looking back.  I've forgotten a lot, so I piece things together as best I can from old calendars and journals.  I put my feet up and sip my coffee and relive things -- the sickness healed; the shy fiddle player; the moments of grace; the answers to prayer; the friendship mended; the heartache weathered.  It gives me a chance to say thank-you and a chance to celebrate.  And it reminds me that most of the things I wasted time worrying about were just that -- a waste of time.  All in all, looking back is a fine way to say good-by.