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The new year approaches and it's time to reflect upon the past and plan for the future. For many of us, it's like a breath of spring-time air, filled with hope and promise. We plan to succeed where we've failed and do right instead of wrong. We set goals and do our best to achieve them.

The old year will soon be gone with its problems and trials. The new year stretches before us and we anticipate it, as a deer pants for water. It's like being granted another chance to live.

WHAT DO WE DO
Do we keep today's performance the same as yesterday's? Are the same mistakes being made today that were made last year, or have we learned something from our experiences? Are enemies retained from one year to the next, or do we humble ourselves and apologize to those we've hurt?

Do we ignore our families or fight to keep them united? Do we become careless regarding our friendships, or work hard to retain them? Do we give in to every crisis which comes our way, or do we stand strong and see the crisis for what it is: an opportunity to stand upon our beliefs - an opportunity to draw closer to those we love?

The new year is a time for cleaning house - a time for reflection. We reflect upon past mistakes and determine not to repeat them again. We pull apart the several compartments of our hearts and examine the contents, looking for things which are useless, or which may be hazardous to us or our families.

Do we discover negative emotions which must be tossed into the trash can? Do wrong thoughts abound which must be banned, at once? Do tempers flare within a moment, leaving devastation in its wake? Does our behavior hurt those around us? Does uncaring attitudes offend friends and family members? Do we hold onto emotional ties which cripple our hearts?

CLEANING HOUSE TAKES TIME
We reach into the hidden corners of our hearts and remove the cobwebs, dirt, and grime; we get rid of what's useless and cling to those things which are good. This process may take a while, depending on how much we have to sort through. However, if we remain faithful to our cleaning process, our hearts will feel fresh and new.

People will see the evidence in our actions and in our words, but we must keep cleaning! After we've experienced what it's like to feel free, we will want to hold on to that feeling. As a result, we should examine ourselves on a continual basis, so the cobwebs, grime, and dirt won't get a chance to build.

Learn more about this author, Norma Budden.
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