Here We Go!

When I coached the women's softball team from my church in San Jose, one of the ladies used to love to say, "here we go" as the ladies took the field. There was a special way she used to say it that I loved to mimic. She was in the choir with me, so I'd often repeat it to her as she would pass me by as the choir lined up to take the platform before services or productions.

As we flip the calendar over and begin a new year, I find this phrase echoing in my head. It's game time. It's time to take the field and do what we do.

Some people look forward to a new year simply because it's an escape from last year. Of course, there is nothing tangibly significant to a new year. I mean, more than anything, it means you have to get used to writing "'09" on your checks after a year of writing "'08". But other than that, January 1 isn't going to look any differently than December 31. But we have this instinctive optimism about a clean slate. The new year means to many a new beginning. But a new beginning isn't going to mean much if you keep the old habits which caused you problems in previous years.

So with that, I say "here we go!" It's time to take on 2009. But it's also a great time to evaluate the way we've done things in the past. I've never been one to make resolutions. At least, not for a new year. I guess I've made resolutions in my life, but they've usually occurred at random spots in the calendar. For me, the new year doesn't promise me anything. Life is going to confront me with challenges and thrills. My goal is to meet the highs and lows with integrity and determination.

Just like a sports team, we need our teammates. We can't do it alone. Life is a team sport. So as this new "season" begins today, let's work together to make it a winner. Through the wins and losses as a team, through the trials and successes each of us will experience as individuals, let's do it together. Let's be there to pick each other up during the tough times, and celebrate our victories together.

Here we go!