Farewell, 2016!

Christmas has just passed and, hopefully, folks are still in the holiday mode because the season won’t be over for another week. For me, the time just before the changing of the year is a time for introspection. This has certainly been the year for change, especially on the national level, but even here at home we have felt the impact.

It didn’t take a horrendous wildfire for me to know that East Tennessee is God’s Country and the people here, despite any differences, hold our community in high regard. Now the entire world knows what we have known all along. The ties that bind are strong and we know just what is important. People are important. Community is important. Compassion is important and action is important. Tennessee is filled with people of action and that makes me proud.

At the end of the day, it is most important that we know what is important. I hope that your Christmas was Merry and Bright, filled will all of the things that really matter. I hope that this week, as we wait for the arrival of 2017, you find some time to look back on where you have been this year personally and where we have been as a local community and as a collective. Remember the roads traveled and the outcomes achieved, and then get ready to move on to the future.

It seems like 2016 has flown by but I am ready for a fresh, new year. From my family to yours, may the New Year bring health, joy, love and prosperity. Happy New Year! 2017, here we come!