The New Year

Happy New Year to all of you!  Another year has come and gone and is often the case we ask ourselves, "where did the time go?"  For my family, 2012 was a good year for the most part.  Some of my family and friends suffered great heartache and pain and I hope 2013 brings restored faith, health, and brighter days for all.

I am not a big "New Years Resolutioner".  The Liturgical Calendar gives me countless opportunities throughout the year to make improvements in my faith and family life.  However, there is something nostalgic about making a resolution for the new year.  

A few months ago, this sign was hanging on a gas pump at one of our local stations.

When you buy from a mom or pop business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home.
You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college.
Our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones we strive to make happy.
Thank you for supporting small business.

In this new year, I resolve to shop locally and support our hometown businesses as often as I am capable.  This doesn't mean that you won't see me in a larger market retailer, but it does mean that I will consider first what I can purchase locally.

So that's it.  It's not earth shattering nor extremely life changing, but it will cause me to be more conscientious about the products I buy.

Blessings to all in this new year.