Today is the first day of the New Year, 2011.

As I reflect on last year my first thoughts are that it was just another year.  No mountain tops and no deep pits.  No real forward motion but no slipping back, just holding steady.  The only thing that stands out is the death of my cat.  Other than that there is nothing about 2010 that had any lasting impression on me.

But with further thought I realize I am more content and at peace with the world and myself than ever before.  That alone makes last year one worth keeping in a treasure chest marked “Remember”.

Being content and at peace with the world and self does not come with trumpets and parades and loud hurrahs.  It slips in quietly, unnoticed and unheralded, and takes up residence without a fuss.

How awesome is that?!

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions but if I did I would resolve to more readily recognize the grace of  contentment and peace that blesses my life.

Who, on earth, knows what 2011 will bring?  What I do know is that I will keep my “Remember”  treasure chest close at hand.  And I will keep my heart open to all the grace and blessings of contentment and peace that is yet to be revealed .

Happy New Year.