As we move into the year 2012 we have a brand new year in which to make a difference in the lives that cross our paths. We can choose to make the difference either a positive or a negative one. Many times that choice happens rapidly and once the moment has passed it cannot be redone. Perhaps that person was put into your path so that only you or I would have the opportunity to impact their life.

So many times we move through life so quickly that we never even take the time to notice those around us or those who we only have a casual contact with. We might never know why a person moved through our life or even what our purpose was in having contact with them. But all things have a purpose and our goal should be to make each contact we have with others one that is positive and one that we are not afraid for others to see.

The sermon at First United Methodist this past Sunday was on encouragement and the scripture was from Philippians chapter 4 from the apostle Paul. One of the things Paul mentions is forgetting what is behind us and moving toward what is ahead. Last year is over and what is behind is over and cannot be changed, but we have new days ahead in which we do the things that are positive and good for those we come in contact with. We do not need to be anxious about the past, leave it there and move towards the new day where all is new and untouched and waiting for us.

Looking forward to the opportunities we have this year also will keep us in the right frame of mind to be the type of influences that will help those in need, even if all is required is to smile at the person in the line at the grocery store, hold the door for an elderly person, or even just listen to the person who calls your office with a problem. One of the things that I have always tried to do during my working life has been to find a way to say yes when someone called and asks for something out of the ordinary or after a deadline has passed. Now many times you may not be able to accommodate the exact request but can come to an agreement that will help the person in need and even solve the problem they might have. Anyone can so no, not return a smile, leave a bad impression on another person, but how much better to rise above and put someone else’s needs before your own and their feeling above yours. Be on the lookout for opportunities in 2012 to make a positive influence. It will make a much better year for you and others.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.