Here we are 2 weeks+ into the new year, and I have to say that for me the start has been kinda bumpy.

My friend Carl died the last week of ‘08. We celebrated his life with an amazing worship service, but I learned long ago that pastors have to postpone their personal grieving until the public memorial is over.

So I headed to SC for a rescheduled family gathering with a heavy heart, and after fighting traffic on I-95 all day, found myself in the ER helping my brother Lee deal with his bipolar disorder. Sitting in the waiting room with someone in the throes of a manic episode was just a tad stressful. Back at work the first full week of the year, we were dealing with several major initiatives, most of which I had planned. Of course, when I planned them I had no idea what the end of the year would be like.

When the road is bumpy, you just have to slow down, take your time, and trust that things will get smoother.

The road got smoother for me a couple of days ago. And I’m very, very thankful.