Today is my birthday. Ask me how old I am, I’ll tell you I’m a year older than I was last year.

It’s not that the number bothers me. Okay, it bothers me a little. But I have found that a lot of people are bothered by the number of years they have lived and the goals they have not achieved.

Growing up, I did not have many goals, if any. So I don’t really feel like there were things I should have accomplished by now. But I do feel, almost daily, that I should be doing more with my life. And I’m certain I should be savoring more moments.

So in 2011, my goal is to reach out to more people. Foster new friendships, strengthen old ones, forgive easier, love more. This is going to require a lot of prayer, and courage to stretch myself to the point of being uncomfortable. I know that while this year may hold more joy, it will also come with hurt. I truly wish for good health for my family & loved ones. And that 2011 holds more tears of laughter than tears of pain.