As January 2009 comes to a close, I find it significant how many things are both ending and beginning this month, in particular the end of George W. Bush‘s Presidency and the beginning of Barack H. Obama‘s.

More than just the 44th peaceful change of power for my country, this January sees both an end and new beginning to American policies, philosophy, diplomacy, and concepts of race, religion, and political will. The party that had loudly wielded power for so long now struggles to survive, while the once weak opposing party now speaks softly while carrying a big stick.

I mean this as more than just a celebration of my own political ideology taking control, although celebrate I did, but instead am simply amazed at how endings are indeed gateways to new beginnings, and vice versa.

No wonder Janus and his divine counterpart Jana, worshipped as the sun and moon, were once regarded as the highest of the gods.

How seldom we marvel at the power of a doorway, serving as exit and entrance, containing such power and symbolism. What new beginnings will comes to us all this year? What must end in order for them to do so?