| My dear Brothers and Sisters,Anniversaries represent milestones for reflection and stocktaking. Anniversaries occur yearly with accents and emphasis after a specific number of years. At the end of the year 2009, our sisters celebrated the 40th Anniversary of their coming together as the Ladies of Marshall. In acknowledging the enormity of the intuitive role of the founding members of our sister Order, I cannot help but look with admiration at all leaders, past and present of the Ladies of Marshall. I am hopeful the challenges of the past 40 years will inform the path for the future of our lady Order. I say happy anniversary to all our sisters.
For the entire Marshallan family however, we are privy to a global celebration; the celebration of a New Year; the 2010th Anniversary after Christ. Like the beginning of each New Year, we look ahead with hope for the future with challenging aspirations. Quite understandably, the beginning of a New Year offers us an opportunity to review the totality of our lives. If you still have not done so, it is not late. The beginning of each New Year is one time we can be pardoned for being selfish in our aspirations. We come up with a tall wish list which often places ourselves at the center of the many desires we cherish for ourselves. My brothers and sisters, as we walk through the year, I wish to share with you some of the wet patches which have the potential of derailing our aspirations for the year. Firstly, let us avoid procrastination. The tendency to put off what we could do today with the intention of doing it at a later date often leaves us getting nothing done. Can we get into the habit of putting a sense of urgency into tacking anything we consider important? Secondly, let us eschew impure thoughts. You will be marvel at the extent to which we lower the etheral potency of man by simply thinking ill of our neighbour. If we do not flow with the Universal force and go counter to this force, the result is not helpful. Thirdly and probably the most critical, let us be disciplined. I encourage you all to do a bit more this year to put your life in a pattern that will leave you an identity worthy of mention. If we begin the year with a disciplined prayer life, we would be striking the right key for a successful year. May we walk in the Grace of our Lord as we pray for strength in times of weakness. |
 |