Well, friends. Here we are, on the cusp of a new year (the “cusp” — don’t you just love that word?).

There is a sense of mixed emotions each year at this time, for most of us, I suspect. Also, how we view each new year is dependent, in large measure, on each person’s situation.

By this I mean such considerations as one’s age, health, financial status, religious views, family relations, friendships (or lack of), vocational situation, avocational interests, plus other things as well. In sum, how one chooses to view life.

We all know people who, for the most part, have a positive persona, and view things in a hopeful manner.

We also know those who view life, for the most part, negatively. Some, even, who just don’t seem to be “happy” unless they are unhappy. Being around such people can be depressing after a while.

Those persons who, privately or publicly, insult, ridicule, demean others, (sound familiar) evidently have real emotional problems of their own. Sad.

For me, I would not like myself if I wasn’t truly grateful for all the blessings I have known in my life’s journey. I have been blessed beyond measure, and I know this. Why me?

The topic here, though, is how you and I approach the new year. There are so many people living on the margins of society in our land; and so many millions of our brothers and sisters all over our world who are in need, who are suffering in body and/or spirit. How we view this, think of this, speaks to just who each of us is.

In such a rambling exercise as this, one that may not seem original or profound, there may well be readers who think old Bartow is over-reaching a bit. Maybe so.

What I refuse to accept is the notion of the futility of wishing for, hoping for, Peace on earth, and good will to all men and women.

I live in the real world, and understand the seeming impossibility of this ever coming to pass, but I can hope.

And hope can be a beautiful thing.

Happy New Year, y’all.