I believe with my whole heart that each new day is a gift from God. It is an opportunity to live as He would have me live and an opportunity to make a difference — not just in my life — but in the lives of others.

Far too many times I have wasted that gift, let a day slip away without making a positive change in myself or helping others.

Then again, some days fall into the win column. Days exist when I celebrate the fact that I was able to help my children, help my wife, help others — or help myself be better.

As we approach the start of 2017, my “to do list” contains many tasks. I have plans and objectives. You might even go as far as saying I have resolutions.

Now that I have those resolutions on paper, I guess the next thing is to getting them done.

But as much as I do not like looking back, because doing so never gets you ahead, doing so can provide some context for me, some lessons from which to be learned. My success tomorrow depends heavily upon the lessons that I have learned and the experience I have gained.

Such is the case too for Vicksburg and Warren County.

We are a community that has so many positive things happening, and 2016 brought about many great events and news.

But, many other things happened that Vicksburg and Warren County would want to soon forget.

Sadly, it is both the good and the bad that shaped 2016.

Beginning Thursday, The Post will begin publishing recaps of what many consider the top 10 stories of 2016.

Some are very good stories, while others are tragic.

Some are events we hope to continue, while others are stories of lives lost and lives we today continue to mourn.

Only the history books will provide a true snapshot of 2016. We are still living in the moment, and far too close to it to be objective on whether it will be remembered a good year or a bad year.

The new year is a little more than a week away and with it comes a fresh start in many ways. It is something we often look forward to with excitement — complete with champagne and fireworks.

Next year is a fresh start, but remember it begins with just one day; it begins with a single gift from God and should be treated accordingly.

Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.