Some are partying…some are in front of their television. What began with a promise has fulfilled its commitments. Now we see how the year flies by. It will seem to start slow and cold but will increase speed like a locomotive. As we return to work the holidays will be on our minds…for a while. We will hear the bells on Christmas Day, and their old familiar songs play…peace on Earth good will toward men. Then a winter budget cut will present its ugly head. Someone will leave due to illness and the remaining work must be shared. More months than money was my experience many times and the cold mid-winter only magnified the problem. Pizza on payday and tuna at the end of the month.

So we know what to expect. We must look through a glass darkly to see the light of the New Year. January is as special as December. Life is a magnificent gift each day we live it.

Becoming good at a task requires practice. Focus is the key to fulfillment. Nothing happens unless we put our shoulder to the wheel. God will compensate for our natural shortfalls if we work as hard as possible.

Baby Jesus was just born a few days ago…anew in our lives. His message of humility peace…love is new every day.

Gifts are always welcome. The joy in the eyes of our fellow humans when we do something special and unexpected for them is palpable. It is Christmas all over again.

‘Billy B we are glad to have you aboard,’ Harold said with a smile. ‘If you want to succeed in Building Services come to work early and work hard,’ Harold continued. ‘You will soon gain a good name that will follow you throughout the department,’ Harold winked.

‘I have not seen Thalman Hall look so clean in many years,’ the Associate Director said to Billy B. ‘Your work is as important as any work that transpires in our department,’ AD continued. ‘When your work is well done we can do our work without impediment,’ AD noted.

‘I want you to take the Superintendent assignment if you are willing,’ Harry W said to Billy B. ‘The department is in trouble, the Vice Chancellor and I believe you are the person to fix it,’ Harry W. said.

‘This guy fights for Building Services…if I cut one student worker he gives me hell,’ President Glenn P said. ‘He has helped me many times and I value his counsel,’ President GP said.

‘I tried to treat people like I want to be treated,’ Billy B said. ‘I scrubbed toilets and cleaned carpets on my hands and knees and felt like the luckiest guy in the world,’ Billy B said with tears in his eyes. ‘I had nothing and SIUC gave me so much more than I could give back,’ Billy B whispered…