The balance that comes from knowing you survived yet another trip around the sun can jeopardize even the most minute of accomplishments… Are you in balance?

The question came from an odd source, my 18 year old (on January 3rd of the new year) son. What would HE know about balance?

As I listened to the discussion taking place across the kitchen counter while my boys cleaned the kitchen and prepared food for an event taking place on January 1st, I realized the momentous occasion that was happening before my eyes and ears… My baby boys were growing up, taking charge and recognizing the opportunity set before them in the new year… The new year of 2013.

The question of personal identity was of grave consideration, considering that both were engaged in high-ticket positions, high-powered social circles with the tremendous capabilities of accomplishing their goals. The steps they were taking, the choices they were making, and the power of influence held by them could credibly change the world. (As could the same of any individual reading this message. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference.) As the parent, watching lives unfold, I wanted to say, “Be careful!” But I didn’t need to, they are careful in selecting the changes they will make and how they will make them. I wondered, as I listened, if I had similar discussions 35 years ago as I embarked upon the world, a lifetime ahead of me, my dreams flowing freely… did I share my life dreams, my plans for the future in such simple and straight forward terms?

Did I know back then, the changes I would make in the world ahead of me? Did I realize, in those wee dawn hours of my day that I would birth not one, but four magnificent world leaders who would impact life in the future?

Did I know then that at 53, I would change the world, change my life, and change the future? Because I can. I am. I will.

2013 is before us, one day at a time, 365 blank pages of a new book… How will you write your story on this year? How will I?

What impression will we leave, as we cross over into the next hard cover binding one year from today?

I dare say…. Take the challenge. Take a leap of faith and trust that the net of HOPE will wrap around you and protect you from harm, thrusting you into the amazing state of confidence, hope and achievement that God has brought you to and will continue to carry you through. Take the leap and the net will appear!

The day is yours! This day is mine!!!