Out with the old, in with the new

So.
2008.
Yeah.
2008.
This was one of those years which were like spinach. Good for you in the long run; not really fun to endure in the interim.
I am about 24 pounds lighter than when the year began, but I don't like what it took to get me there - two infection bouts; one of which I'm dealing with right now as the year ends.
This is the year where - due to our own circumstances not directly related to the global economy - we had to tighten our belts in the wallet category. We learned a discipline we'd lacked previously, and wished we hadn't gotten there to begin with. But we did it and we're the better for it and we're grateful to see how things have worked out.
Amanda lost a job she loved but now - as the year closes - is still getting the opportunity to do it on a volunteer basis and really absorbed more into the ins and outs than she was when she was getting paid for it. Ah, the irony. She's got other full-time work and has had her own learning curves in that job too.
This year was a growing year in other, more obvious ways, too. - Our daughter grew and we generally loved the changes we've seen in her - we've just about conquered potty training and that's a huge milestone.
Aside from her growth, our own has been through painful lessons we'd prefer not to repeat. Here's hoping we learned them this time.
I guess the best I can hope and pray for in 2009 as that we act on the wisdom we learned in 2008 and develop in the ways which will beneficial to us and our service to our Lord and others around us.

What do you think?

I saw this bumper sticker and decided it would be great online discussion fodder, so I snapped a picture of it.
Regardless of whether you are a believer in Christ or not, please take a look at this bumper sticker and offer your response.