Merry Christmas to one and all!!!

This is my personal blog so I can say Merry Christmas right? Well, I am a Christian and I do believe in Jesus Christ, so yeah, I can say Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!!

I usually don't get into religion here. As the webmaster for 25 million church women and a large denominational church, I tend to shy away from the subject of religion because of 'complications'. But Christmas is different to me. It's special to me. It is a time of memory, tradition, thanksgiving, reflection, and deep spiritual significance.

I tend to contemplate the year that has past and remember the years that came before. This is my 40th Christmas and it is likely my best one. Oh, my eldest son is in Porto Rico on duty in the Kentucky Air National Guard, and I've already given my wife her present, but somehow it is a special Christmas.

Interesting story. My eldest, David III called me today from Porto Rica and said, (exact quote) "Dad, you raised me right." He had no idea what those words meant to me. I am confident that I did my best both in intent and in results but here it is Christmas eve and my son calls me on the phone and says those words. WOW! I've always felt my life's purpose was to raise my sons and even had a conversation to this effect with Carrie recently, and then I get this phone call from my son.

Yes, a profound moment in my heart.

This Christmas will be somewhat different. I'm not going to midnight mass like usual; my eldest son is away; my youngest is preoccupied with his girlfriend and I have not attended a church all year. Yet somehow, deep in the depths of my heart, it's a special Christmas. The hardships of the year, the trials and I mean severe trials of the year, the events and outcomes of the year and the results are all good. I mean I've learned; grown; shared; made new friends. All in all it was a great year.

I'm convinced, in business anyway, 2005 was a springboard year. By this time next year I will know for sure but I'm convinced that 2005 will be viewed as an intersection that was well navigated and will result in a very prosperous future. I've a few concerns and my heart tells me there will be some challenges and some major changes, but all in all it will be a life changing year for the good.

For example, even this morning I was considering ways to prepare my house for sale. I was standing in the guest bathroom and notices a crack in the wall and started thinking of all the things I need to fix before offering my house for sale. I've dreamed of a very large house with just a few rooms for years and my heart tells me it is about to come to pass. I could be wrong, but I hope not. I've struggled for so many years I almost feel I'm due.

So here we go... "onward" as a friend would say. I will step forth in faith that the lessons and experiences of 2005 were all to cap off the first 40 years of my life, kind of preparation for the next 40 years. I mentioned to Carrie this week that I feel every single event in my life from birth has prepared me for the next two generations. From dealing with difficult situations and people to by business experiences and knowledge in marketing, technology and sales, I believe it is all leadning up to something great and this greatness will begin in '06.

So here's to great success to us all in the coming year and the cherished emotions and memories of the year(s) that came before. May each of you who read, (and apparently there are quite a few) have a most wonderful holiday. I say Merry Christmas, but no matter your religion or lack thereof, I sincerely hope for you a wonderful holiday season.

Cheers,
David Francis