Well, 2023 is almost gone. Somehow, when unpleasant and stressful events seem relentless, we blame the ‘Year’ for it. That’s been my year: broken bones, surgery, family divorce, heartache, car wreck, hard drive crash, data breach….one on the tail of the other. I’ve been a complainer. Many days I have not been able to see anything to be grateful for. I should be ashamed.
Last week our family spent time together to celebrate Christmas. On one occasion when we were all crowded into the living room, we passed around the question: What do you hope for in the new year? All thoughts were meaningful. I was impressed. I was going to say that I hoped the new year would be more free of those stressful, unpleasant events….
…until my grand daughter said a very impressive thing. She said that she hoped that all would work out for the good, just like it had done so far this year. Those profound thoughts sunk deep in my heart. I could see her faith and her grateful humble heart. I contemplated 2023 events, and as I did so, was impressed at the ‘PATTERN’ they demonstrated; the pattern of disturbing events followed by a period of time ending in a good resolution. Time after time. And I felt grateful. I saw the lessons I learned, or perhaps should have learned. I saw the hand of God that was always there, and I saw 2023 a bit differently, and realized that perhaps I have just a bit more faith for 2024.
May we all look for the peace and light and joy waiting for the taking in 2024.
I like the hope illustrated in a poem written by my daughter, Valoree:
Mother Earth moves us into the shadow The icy cold could penetrate to bone In the darkness and the heart of Winter We shelter in the warm hearth of home Let us celebrate the coming of a New Year The creeping approach of the return of light With songs, thoughtful gifts and pleasantries We may bring out the unwilted mistletoe A reminder to forgive and let go of grudges And holly, with berries of bright red For the strength of the deep roots of family Our Evergreens stand beautiful and tall Bedecked in ornament, Cheery and twinkling And in the great, wild forests of the world The sparkling, snow-covered, majestic pine Stay green and resilient despite storm and frost Each day the Sun will stay a minute longer Reflect on the year! Visualize your wishes! Now is the time to cherish and look forward.
Patience is knowing the snow will melt and glorious spring will indeed come.
Alma 7:27 (from the Book of Mormon) “and now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess….from this time forth and forever.”
