HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / December 30, 2000

Happy new year! It seems like only a few weeks ago that we were anxiously awaiting the year 2000. How time flies! We shouldn’t be surprised because the Bible says thatlife is but a vapor – here for a little while and then gone forever.

Monday, we start a new year. The year 2000 is gone – never to be relived.Yes, we can remember and replay the events, but can never retrieve the 365 days that made up the year 2000.

I think that this is a time when we should reflect on how we spent the last year. Was it really a happy new year (all 365 days) like people wished us, orwas it only a happy New Year Day (that one day) that we enjoyed? It’s easy to enjoy Jan. 1 – the beginning of the new year. It’s a holiday fromwork and the daily routine that, at times, can become monotonous.

The secret to a victorious walk throughout the year is to enjoy each day as a gift from God. I realize that’s easier said than done. Yes, each day is a giftand that’s why we call it the present.

Sandwiched between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 are 12 exciting, unlived months ofopportunities. The new year starts for all of us. Will it be exciting foreveryone? No. Many people will choose to ignore daily opportunities to grownspiritually and emotionally. The questions are: Will you have only a happy NewYear’s Day (Jan. 1) or a happy new year? The decision is yours. I think it wasWill Rogers that said that a person is only as happy as they want to be.

What is the secret to living life to the fullest and enjoying all 365 days? If you really want 2001 to be a happy new year, I suggest you strive to:

Keep your heart free from hate, Your mind free from worry, Live simply, expect little, Give much, sing often, pray always, Fill your life with love, scatter sunshine, Forget self, think of others.

Do as you would be done by.

These are the tried links In contentment’s golden chain.

This advice was taken from a daily calender, “Heart to Heart,” compiled by Helen Lesman.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.

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