I have always loved the week "in between" Christmas Day and New Year's Day. When I was a child I liked the fact that Christmas Day and New Year's day would fall on the same day of the week: if Christmas day were on a Tuesday, New Year's would be also. I thought someone special must have made that happy occurrence!

Now it provides for me a week to savor the fruits of Christmas while I prepare for the chalenges of a new Twelve Month. Here, in north Georgia, this is a season typically well suited for meditation: cool, but not bitter cold; usually rainy and foggy (it is today); days well drawn for a hot cup of coffee, a good book (maybe THE Good Book), quiet, restful, contemplative. I love it.

I have been thinking a lot latelyof friendship, especially friendship inspired by Christian principles: duty, loyalty , good faith, and especially charity, the "great" virtue. I read s story about the apostle John, whi in his advanced years had to be taken into the church on a litter. He was usually so tired or ill that his only sermon was "Little children, love each other." When asked why he repeated that so many times, he responded "For it comes from the Lord. If you do nothing else, that will suffice."

I have been blessed with so many friends, including those of you who are reading this. I want you to know I pray for you, some of you by name, and daily. Please pray for me, when you can.