A New Year Prayer:
I am the New Year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it– but with determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant– when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have– these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
I have these little ornament place holders. They’re painted to look like Christmas ornaments but instead of a hook, there’s a loopy paper clippy-thing (technical term) to hold a name or menu card. I bought them about 16 years ago. I was shopping with a friend who had much more money than I did. We went into a shop that was just too expensive for my shoes to touch their carpet, but I could afford those place holders, dammit! They were in the clearance bin. I bought three boxes.
During the New Year’s Day Open House, I use them to put up a little notes about a food being spicy or a funny saying or a blessing. In my preparations this year, I stumbled across this prayer. It was too long for people to read at the buffet table so I put in the bathroom– where people have more time.
I like New Year’s Day a lot and all the associated feelings of starting out fresh. Of making a plan, of dreaming. But then the 1st is over and all that freshness fades. Do they make a spray for that?
One thing that connected strongly with me was that no where in this prayer does it say January 1.
Every single day can be a new year with “an unspoiled day in your book of time”.
Happy New Year TODAY.
How is 2012 going for you?