Believe it or not, this spruce tree in my neighbor's yard was tall and straight until last spring, when a severe windstorm followed by a heavy spring snow bowed it into this shape. It could easily have snapped, but instead the tree bent. I imagine it will eventually begin to straighten and grown toward the sun. And thrive. I think we all face storms and heavy loads, and sometimes something has to give. But when we bend instead of break, we are able to weather the hardship. Maybe even thrive. May your loads be light and your heart happy this new year.