Carrying on, into the New Year
It’s the beginning of a new year, a time in which many of us just want to “wipe the slate clean” and start over. It usually feels good to shed the troubles of yesterday, and move into a clean time without leftover issues and problems.
Well, we can’t always get rid of all the issues we had at the end of the year. Some of them follow us right into the New Year, and we still have to deal with them. However, what we can do is take a new look at what we have, a new perspective into issues and struggles. Without a few problems in our lives, we cannot fully appreciate what God has given to us. Struggles do make us stronger. Sometimes, when we think things cannot get any worse, there will be a ray of hope that suddenly shines.
If you are a small business owner, you are aware that each new day brings challenges that no one else seems to understand. There is a constant need to promote the business so that customers remember who you are. In a small city, such as Madera, you are competing with the chains and franchises of large companies, and must constantly remind the community to “shop local,” for it is through the community support that you are able to continue as a business. Your business supports the community by employing people, paying taxes, and providing the community with goods and/or services. You are unique. Your community needs you, and you need the community.
So it is at The Madera Tribune, which is also a small business in Madera, California. This little newspaper serves the community through its publications of news stories, community information, and pictures of children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. It allows companies both large and small to advertise and promote their businesses.
I have been at the Madera Tribune since May 2017, and I cannot remember working at a place where there was ever a more caring and loyal bunch of folks. These people who work at the Tribune are the heart of the Tribune, and they care for each other and for the Tribune itself.
The one who has developed this culture of caring, is none other than Chuck (Charles P.) Doud. He is the editor and publisher, the main “chief” of The Madera Tribune, and this little newspaper and the staff are blessed to have his direction. He cares very deeply for all the people who help to publish this paper twice a week, and each employee works hard for him and for the community of Madera, by getting this publication out to its readers.
In our next issue of The Madera Tribune, I will begin to introduce members of the staff. I would like for the readers to understand what personalities make up this little newspaper, so you may appreciate with me the heart of The Madera Tribune.
A Happy New Year to all of you! May our struggles in 2019 be small, and our blessings many.
• • •
“I have told you all this, so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33
