Whew, we made it through another year! Truly we have gone through some amazing notable changes, which for some turning a new leaf will not suffice but rather turning a new stump.

Many have no place to put their “welcome” floor mat because the homeless population continues to grow, and others won’t be using the Latino welcome phrase “mi casa es tu casa” because the loss of employment has forced them to foreclose. Many don’t carpool because they lost their means of transportation — and the list of gloom seems as though it has no ending.

The challenges of the last decade and the ones from 2009 have impacted us all, either directly, indirectly or blind-sided. This storm has no color, its rainbow has no prejudices against color, creed, gender or age; it has rained upon all of us.

As I put on my swami sombrero and look into the ball of confusion, I conjure thoughts that may assist us in assessing what lies ahead of us. Just as we hurt together, we must heal together.

Swamitito sees that the word “diversity” will not have the strength of persuasion it once had; unless accompanied with “authenticity.” The dreams of yesterday must be remembered, but the time has come for new mountain climbers to rise up and dream of a true melting pot of all peoples, cultures and languages.

Swamitito sees that it is time to take a look at the man in the mirror. Whether time is on your side or not, remember what goes up must come down — it’s a spinning wheel and it’s got to go around.

The ecclesiastical poet once wrote that there is time for everything under the sun, and a season and time to every purpose under the heaven.

Swamitito says about 2010:

• A time to enjoy the colors in the rainbow, and also a time to see it with no color.

• A time to embrace a friend and a time to disgrace the enemy.

• A time to weep on the floor and a time to sweep the floors.

• A time to educate, but also a time to graduate.

• A time to congregate to preach peace, and also a time to integrate to bring peace.

• A time to say it loud and a time to silence the loud.

• A time to build hospitals for the sick and a time for the sick to afford a bed.

• A time to tighten our borders and a time to loosen our personal boundaries.

• A time to sing “oh say can you see” and a time to listen to what you say you see.

• A time to be winners, but a time for the winners to become champions.

• A time to boast of our freedom, and a time to boost freedom for others.

• A time to sing amazing grace, but also a time to see the grace become amazing.