I don't know how you folks feel about 2006; but me, I am wishing and praying it away fast! The dying hours seem to be committed to so much havoc that it better go fast. It has to go fast. It must get out of the way of 2007. Our, by God's grace, better and promising 2007!

As it goes, which it must, may it not bundle us into its luggage. May it not create more pipeline fires or shipwrecks or famous deaths or weather blizzards or horrendous floods or gory penury or failing leaders. May it go alone...all alone. And leave us to welcome and savour our 2007.

I am in no mood to celebrate its ugliness. I can understand why most can hardly recall any good in its annals. Yes. But, alas, there was some good. Just think enough, look enough, check enough.
And, as the faithful must say, in all things give thanks. Yes.

Let's thank God for life. Yes. Let's give thanks for the year of our Lord 2006. Yes.

And the final thanks? To God for 2007, as it comes. Amen.