At four-and-a-half years old, I remember January 1, 1982, as the first New Year's Day that I truly understood. I resisted the idea in the beginning: I recall arguing with my older sister, simply insisting that it should remain 1981 forever.
Twenty-six years later, I recognize that life is more complicated. Mixed emotions are laced throughout the experiences of the year -- every year -- as we recall the good and bad, joyful and sad moments of life.
Then the digits flip, and we are renewed.
What I didn't understand at four is that the passage of time is in many ways a good thing.
May God's blessings be with you this year.
