Signs of a Happy New Year

I don't think of myself as a superstitious person. I don't think that if I blow out all my birthday candles in one breath my year will be discernibly different than if it takes two or three. I don't pay attention to what Punxsutawney Phil does on Groundhog Day. I don't hold my breath over train tracks. I have traditions and habits, but nothing I really do in order to ensure something goes well.

That being said, the first day of 2011 made me wonder if one choice or activity might set the course for a year. I spent the last few days of 2010 in Kansas with my family celebrating Christmas. We saw extended family, played games, just sat in the same room and read. It was glorious.

On the morning of the 1st, I woke up late, hugged my very sleepy siblings goodbye and headed unwillingly to the airport. As I was checking in, I discovered my plane had been cancelled. My initial frustration gave way to what turned out to be an amazing blessing. I walked up to the ticket counter and told the man that if he couldn't fly me out today, he would need to fly me out tomorrow afternoon. Probably for fear that I was on the edge of a major freak out, he was able to rebook me and I gained more than an extra day with my family. I got an extra brunch with my parents, extra game time with my siblings, an extra dinner with coffee beer, and even got to go to church with my family.

As I tell the story, I know it sounds dreadfully dull, but here is the piece that clicked for me. Waiting a day to fly home meant missing Sunday morning and work. It meant I would have less time to go over my religion lessons for the next week. It meant that I might let down the people who I work for by not being present. It meant that I might not be as important or indispensable as I would sometimes like to think. It meant admitting that sometimes I need to be filled up by the people who see me as just Julianna before I can be a good DCE Julianna.

If there was ever I sign I hope brings a new start to a new year, it would be this one, the chance to choose my family, my friends, and myself in a new way without fear or guilt. Maybe its a sign that maybe I can be what my church needs AND have what I need at the same time. Or maybe my flight just got cancelled and the ticket guy was scared of me, I don't know.

Only the rest of 2011 will tell. Here's to hoping for a wonderful New Year to you all.