This is a tough time of year. 
We start with resolutions and hope, looking forward with plans and determination.
I have a lot of time to dwell on this, too, as we enter yet another blizzard warning. 
Mercifully, the cold snap was short, but we have had so much snow this year! 
Even though this desert dog loves it, and if you remember, I was baptized hard into winter, with 2 big storms in the late spring the year I arrived. 
So I run outside and find joy in the snow, but only as long as it takes to do chores. Now I am in, safe and warm, lazing by the fire as I think deep cowdog thoughts.
We are known as highly intelligent canines. But what good is smarts, without kindness, generosity, direction? So this bright little Heeler will head into the new year focused on Good Traits. 
I must aim and persevere in the right direction, and will borrow thoughts from the great Ladysmith to do so. Lets start with getting the right direction, and staying that course. In the words of Ladysmith:
You may be wondering how a beautiful old boat fits in with cowdog wisdom. For most of us cowdogs, the biggest puddle of water we see is a creek or horse trough [still good options to cool off at the end of a day moving cows!]. 
Well, my dad is an old cowboy, but he loves airplanes and boats too, maybe almost as much as sitting a good horse and working with me on the ranch. He tells stories of a Navy destroyer he once was on called the USS Henderson, DD786.
I can’t say I’m crazy about boats and big water. I like my creek, but don’t care for big lakes and waves washing up under me. Boats are windy and noisy, but I go because I stick to my people, no matter what weird fun they find. 
The term “Steady as she goes” is an ancient mariners phrase. The captain of a sailing vessel would give the instruction to his helmsman [kind of like a cowdog on a ship]. Steady as she goes meant stay the course we are on. Regardless of wind gusts or cross currents, stick with the compass heading. I believe this old nautical phrase still has meaning today, even though there is way more technology to guide a ship now. Think if we followed the advice to keep on with steady progress, not blown off course by storms and trouble. Keep the course true. Keep calm at the helm. 
Some of the Apostles knew boats and water. They didn’t always get it right, but knew to hold steady. One said, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed”. 
I hear about a lot of storms right now in the world. We need to hold steady. Maybe an old cowdog could become an old sailor after all.
I kind of like the advice. Stay the course – Steady as she goes, my friend.
