Poet Anne Bradstreet wrote, "If we had not winter the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." This year has been filled with challenges for all readers of this newsletter. I am continually strengthened by our ability to make the best of the events in our lives that cannot be avoided.

Some years ago, when my life was troubled, I entered a bookstore hoping to find something to comfort me. In fact, a book literally fell off the shelf and hit my foot. It was A COURSE IN MIRACLES, a book I'd heard about when I attended a lecture by Dr. Gerald Jampolski, physician to terminally ill children and author of the book, "LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR." I opened COURES IN MIRACLES and the verse was exactly what I needed to read. The book was $40 and I was strapped for cash so I sat on the floor of the bookstore and wrote the verse on the back of a napkin I'd stuffed in my purse. Some time later I saw the COURSE IN MIRACLES at the home of a friend. I sat down and thumbed through it looking for that verse. I never found it.

I am constantly struck by the synchronicity in life. Perhaps the verse, which has meant much to me at each change in my life, will be inspirational to you if you are struggling at this holiday season.

I wish you and yours a happy holiday season and aprosperous New Year!