Review andRenew

I'm not terribly original. For me, January is all about review, taking stock of the year that's just passed, and trying to make some hard, clear assessments. Did I accomplish all, or any part of, what I'd hoped? Were there any important opportunities that I missed? Did I spend enough time with loved ones? Once I've asked the questions, I move on to consider how I might improve on my performance in the New year.

I love the idea of the clean slate, don't you? How wonderful it is to be able to start again. We can't undo the messes we've created in the old year, but the new year does take the edge off. God doesn't give us a do-over, exactly, but as long as we're breathing, we have a chance to reconcile, recommit, reconsider, renew, refresh. We get to reestablish the pace of our lives, reset our internal clocks, and reset our priorities. Let's face it, they were all but lost during the crazy, roller-coaster ride that is December!

In 2007, I lost my mom, gained some new friends, published a new book (When Gorilla Goes Walking), stretched my internet muscles with my first ever online chat, penned my first chapter book series, saw the release of The Road to Paris as a recorded book, and won a Coretta Scott King Honor for Paris. However you slice it, 2007 was a big year.

My primary goal for 2008 is to get back on schedule with my book deadlines—no small feat, considering the amount of travel that lies ahead. Will I make it? I dont' know. But I do know this: if you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time. So, I begin this year,as I begin every other, by setting goals for myself. Wish me luck!

Nikki