And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been, full of work that has never been done, full of tasks, claims, and new hope.
― Rainer Maria Rilke

Often at the end of an old year and the beginning of a New Year, we feel compelled to make resolutions about what we will or won’t do in the coming year. Ironically, we almost always set ourselves up for failure and guilt.

But this New Year, we have an opportunity for a fresh start – a time when we can review the past year including our dreams and hopes, the times that were disappointing, the experiences that were satisfying or meaningful. It’s definitely a chance to ponder our lives and to look at our personal growth, the person we think we are, the person we really are, and the person we would like to become.

As we begin this New Year, I share the words of Joyce Rupp in her poem/prayer “Standing at the Gates of the New Year.” I find her words very helpful and hopeful. I hope they are for you too.
Guardian of this New Year, I set aside my fears, worries, concerns,
I open my life to the endless opportunity of discovering you in my relationships,
and to all the silent wisps of wonder that will draw me to your heart.
I welcome your unfailing Presence and walk with hope into this new year.

Yes, a New Year is a great time for us to be optimistic. Perhaps we can start by unlocking some closed doors in our lives and crack open our hearts in order to experience new joy and hope in our lives. We may be surprised to find a newness in our living, a vitality and energy in our being that we thought was lost to us. Maybe we will learn that God is truly present in our lives – every moment.

· Are we open to starting afresh and experiencing a newness of life?
· Can we unlock our hearts and minds so that we can see fresh ways to live and to serve?
· Can we be there for people who need us – even when we are not at our best?

Giver of New Life, we thank You for the opportunity to start afresh in this New Year and to take stock. May we be open to your life-giving words. Crack open our hearts and encourage us to grow so that we become the people we are meant to be. May we follow You wherever You lead us in this New Year. Amen.

Joy Carol
www.joycarol.com