Jesse A. Schroeder

It's that time of year when the year changes to a new year. And everyone is talking/writing/thinking about last year and what to expect and do differently for this next year.

I realized yesterday that I haven't written a blog post in a full month. I've been thinking about different ideas of started writing some posts in my head, but I also decided to step back for a short while and not write very much. Especially in this advent season, I've been trying to soak in each moment for what it had - the smells of the kitchen, the cold air, the eyes of my wife, the blackness of the bare trees contrasted with the white snow. Reflecting on each moment kind of makes me feel like there isn't much worth writing about.

But as I approach 2010, I'm energized for some new adventures. The second half of 2009 offered some surprises and challenges I didn't expect, most obviously leaving Grove City Christian School and looking for a new job.

I read a short post today that gave the following statement about this past year: "Just about everyone missed it. Just about everyone hunkered down and did their job or did what they were told or did what they thought they were supposed to, and just about everyone got very little as a result." And then concluded with the question" "Seven years from now, what will you have to show for what you're doing right now?"

I don't think that this question has to be directed only to work productivity or financial gain. Some of life's greatest treasures can't be physically shown or demonstrated through numbers.

But for my part, I don't feel like my past year was a waste, and more than ever I am committed to living each moment, day, week and year that comes along to the fullest. Kellye and I have some exciting goals and ambitious ideas for 2010. I have no idea where we will end up, because even just six months ago I certainly didn't expect to be where I am now.