Fishing Boats in Yaizu, Japan Harbor
This year …
I’ll take more time to laugh and smile,
To feel the wind upon my face,
To learn true wisdom from a child,
Give my soul the needed space,
To live life pure and clear …
… this year.
This year …
I’ll learn to turn off my computer,
Interact with human beings,
Spend less time in online stupor,
More time learning, breathing, seeing
All that life holds dear …
… this year.
This year …
I will resolve to write that letter
That I have too long neglected,
Make an aching heart feel better,
Cheer a friend who feels dejected,
Bring someone some cheer …
… this year.
This year …
I’ll not be hijacked by my deadlines,
Or imprisoned by ambitions.
Or let dismal, gloomy headlines
Dictate my heart’s disposition.
I’ll choose faith, not fear …
… this year.
This year …
I’ll see the struggling flower beneath
The hard, frosty exterior
Of one who lets frustration seethe
Because they feel inferior.
I’ll try to draw them near …
… this year.
This year …
No high and mighty resolutions
Fit for presidents and kings.
I’ll start a quiet revolution,
Seek these simple loving things
Above wealth or career …
… this year.—Ian Bach
[via an email from Irene- thanks]
(part 1 of 3)
Greeting the New Year, for me, is as intensely personal a time as Christmas is a time for sharing– A time when I look back over the past year and even my entire life and lift my eyes from the everyday to look at what may lie ahead.
The focal point of this yearly personal inventory, however, is not private at all, but a New Year’s Eve candlelight ceremony, usually with a good-sized group of my co-workers and close friends– often several families.
Gathered around a large table, we each hold an unlit candle and wait as a large central candle is lit. People have taken time to prepare and often bring something they’ve written down to read.
Often from the youngest to the oldest, or by families– each in turn will first say what they are thankful for from the past year– thanking both God and others for their part. The retelling can sometimes take a while, but it’s always wonderful.
Next each adds their hope– or hopes– for the new year and their prayers– what they’re asking God to do.
Finally a verse from the Bible, or a poem, or a promise received from Jesus in prophecy to hold on to– trusting Him to fill this need.
As each person finishes, they tip their candle toward the big candle in the center, lighting it and then place it on the table– as in the photo above.
As the Old Year closes, before the New Year comes in, it’s good to sit down & ask yourself, “What have I accomplished this past year?… Thank the Lord and count your blessings. What are you most thankful for during the past year? What prayer or hope do you have for the New Year? What verse do you claim for the New Year? — David Brandt Berg
