First, I realize how truly blessed I am in so many aspects of my life. Between beloved family, dear friends, wonderful colleagues and trusted clients, there is little I’m left longing for. The tangibles and ‘stuff’ of life come and go, but these precious relationships make it all worthwhile and help us through our day to day struggles. But for these relationships, I wouldn’t be the person who I am. They help me. They inspire me. They are a true and very real part of me.
With that in mind, allow me to take this opportunity to express my love to all of my family and friends for their support in recent years, especially my wonderful wife. I’m also obliged to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of my colleagues and clients without whom I wouldn’t have the luxury of operating my own practice. There are no words to express to you my gratitude for your ongoing trust, support and patronage; I look forward to growing our relationships even more in 2014! To all of those with whom I’ve yet to do business, know that I welcome the opportunity to be of service to your individual needs and that I humbly look forward to the privilege of getting to know you.
This all leads to a second truth – all, unfortunately, are not so lucky. In this season of faith and hope, I ask every reader to remember your brothers and sisters around you, especially those who are less fortunate. Whether it be individuals facing financial hardships, members of our elder citizenry who lack the human companionship that we all crave, or those who require some other basic necessity, so many around us find themselves in desperate need at a time of love, family and camaraderie. Please keep them in mind, and ease their burden if you can. While we’ll never be able to eliminate all human suffering or meet every need, we should always strive to do what you can for the less fortunate, especially during the season commemorating Christ’s birth.
In closing, I offer this prayer of hope and peace written by Frank Borman.
Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure.
Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.
Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.
And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.
Merry Christmas and a most blessed New Year to everyone!
