It has been said that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose.

With a season of celebration behind us, it is time to return to school, to work and to go about our daily routines.

For there is much to be done.

Today marks the end of the holidays for many people.

Most adults have returned to their jobs.

Schools re-opened this week and students are returning to classes. Valdosta State University will soon be back in session.

We have rung in a new year.

Now it is time to make this year work.

Or more appropriately, it is time we get to work to make this year better.

As many people have learned during the past several years, there are no guarantees.

People have lost jobs and homes, seen their wages stagnate and work hours curtailed.

The economic situation has improved in more recent times, but nothing is guaranteed. Gas prices have fallen. The job market is strengthened.

But nothing should be taken for granted.

So, we must work.

We must toil. 

We must educate ourselves. 

We must be ready to adapt.

We must relearn the forgotten magic of striving. 

We must strive.

Strive to do more with less, strive to learn from our mistakes, strive to better understand the world at home and abroad.

For everything there is a season.

Now, is the season to work and strive.

We hope the benefit will be a bountiful harvest, but to reap the rewards, we must work.