NEW YEAR'S EVE

Another year is almost over and many people will be glad to see the back of 2016 because of the sadness and difficulties they have experienced during the year.

But there are also those who rejoice because of all the wonderful things that have happened to them and their family and friends.

I didn’t write this prayer, but as one year passes into another, I pray that whatever is in store for us in 2017, we will take this to heart.

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrow and pain,
     but by strengthening you to bear it,
          as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
     but by making you sturdy
          to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
     but by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
    but by keeping your face bright,
          even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
     but by showing you when people
          and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious 
     to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you
     for the year ahead.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.