Hello friend … it’s been a while! I kind of fell into a blog hole for a few months but I have crawled out and I am happy to be back at the keyboard and spending a bit of time with you.
It’s January – well almost the end of January – two more days and we turn the page on the calendar. January has its own charm. The days are starting to lengthen, ever so slightly, each day. The January sun can be delightful in its surprising warmth. January begins with all the promises of resolutions but by now we have either formed that new habit we committed to at midnight on New Year’s Eve or we have convinced ourselves that making such a commitment as we greeted a new year was really just a silly tradition that makes no sense in the clear vision of a mid-January day!
January is also the month we often look back over the year that has passed. At the church this week we have been putting the final touches on the Annual Report reviewing all the church activities and budgets of 2024. I spent some time last week reviewing my calendar from 2024 and was astonished at how busy I was and how many changes and travels I incorporated into 12 months. No wonder I was tired all the time! But looking back is only useful to a point. Reminiscing is a good word but better is the word anticipation. Reflection is an important practice but vision is energizing.
I like to plan, think ahead, make arrangements and dream about the future. What will 2025 bring my way? What do you look forward to in the year that stretches before us? My niece and I were playing around with slogans for the year. We finally settled on “2025 – the year to thrive”! I am not sure what that means or what it will look like but I like the poetry of it! So, dear readers cheers to thriving. Let’s make this new year a good one – Happy New Year!
Looking back is a kind of fault
You’re likely to turn to a pillar of salt
Planning ahead is better in stead
With hopes and dreams
And colourfull schemes
For one then can claim your not finished.
Such an inspiring message! For myself, I look back and salute the year gone by, gaining insight from any errors, hopefully learning from successes, and opening my mind and heart to the year to come and whatever may happen. I strongly believe that there will be more good than not so much. Trust, faith, and hope are revered compaions as I/we journey onward in life.
Thank you Stan and Nancy.
Lately I have adapted the tradition to wish folks a Healthy and happy new year.
Personally I hope the planning for a ‘viaje’ opportunity will come to be this October. Our congregation has a 29 year relationship for a group of 15 farming families in El Salvador. Some of us are planning, Si Dios quiere/ God willing, to be with them as they celebrate 30 years as a community, sharing land they were given access to through the Peace Accords that ended a brutal civil war. Though the land is not very fertile with climate change making their harvest unpredictable, their President rules with an iron fist and his own interpretation of justice, they will celebrate having land in their name. They will gather outside to worship, decorate with red and white balloons, streamers and plastic chairs. A feast of rice, tortillas and some chicken will be prepared over an open flame. There will be enthusiastic entertainment by musicians who will walk hours to enhance the celebration. And for the children, a flamboyant piñata. That is my energizing vision.
I will keep you posted❣️