MOVING FORWARD

Bandied about endlessly now for months during the campaigns, the word "change" was used so often that it was almost rendered meaningless. What can be said, though, is that people have definite feelings about change. Whether it's a new president or the closing of a street on our normal route to work, we all deal with change constantly-as it is said, "the only thing constant is change." So, it really comes down to how we approach these daily events. What attitude do we have? Is it resignation? Can some opportunity be found? What are the positive and negative angles? While we may not always have control over the changes in our lives, we do have control over our outlook and response.

I may not have a say in the decision by the city to close a street on my daily commute, but perhaps it provides an opportunity to see some different sights along the way. Idahoans have a wide range of views on the outcome of the recent presidential election, but that shouldn't stand in the way of our ability to move forward. I am confident that I can continue to serve my constituents and my country, remaining true to shared conservative principles of limited government, fiscal restraint and defense of personal freedom. I am thankful that we live in America-the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am grateful that there are men and women fighting terror overseas so that we don't have to fight terrorists here. I am grateful, too, that there are men and women here in uniform, keeping our families, neighborhoods and communities safe from crime.

Uncertainty about the future, about change, can cause worry, but it's important to look for opportunity in all things. It's there if you put your mind to it. Every person has the ability to chart their daily life course to some degree and often, the course is determined by the outlook. Jimmy Dean put it this way: "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." Whether it's new neighbors, new job, new school or new policies, we should not allow someone else to adjust the sails on our course to accomplish our greater objective: the best life we can live for ourselves and our families, governed by principles we choose to live by. Thankfully, we have families, friends, good neighbors and good leaders that help us toward this destination.

The path ahead, as always, holds uncertainties and change; we press on with the knowledge that the race remains ours to run.