As the new year looms ahead with all its potential and challenges, it is important to consider some of the unfinished things of the old year - things to deal with and get out of the way.

Some of these things we just seem to accumulate. Unfinished, cluttering piles of nuisance things. "Stuff" Things that are usually the result of procrastinating. Other things we could jettison are more heart-felt. Emotional baggage that holds us back and keeps us from growing in our relationships with each other and with God. Habits that seem to stick to us like barnacles on a rock and which are just as difficult to remove.

But it is also important to consider the positive things as well. Those relationships and things that we did or learned well. Things that helped us to change and to grow in grace and truth and love. The things that form the building blocks for creating a stronger, more positive foundation for 2011.

So at this turning of the clock, take time to reflect on the past year -- realizing that it is just that -- a reflection. Something to examine and improve upon. Past events to help us to grow and move forward into 2011.