New Years Eve

 

New Year’s Eve can in some ways feel like we are on the threshold of something new.  Today is the cusp of beginning to paint on new canvass or turning the page to a new chapter.  At the same time, there are things we carry with us into the New Year.  Tomorrow morning, January 1, 2021, will still have some of the lingering leftovers of 2020.  We are still facing a pandemic and polarization.  And.  And there is possibility and potential.  And there is hope that is willing to see what is and what can be.  As Maya Angelou said, “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present... gratefully.”  Here is one of my favorite prayer/poems by Jan Richardson

BLESSING THE THRESHOLD

This blessing has been waiting for you for a long time.

While you have been making your way here,

this blessing has been gathering itself, making ready, biding its time, praying.

This blessing has been polishing the door, oiling the hinges, sweeping the steps,

lighting candles in the windows.

This blessing has been setting the table as it hums a tune from an old song it knows,

something about a spiraling road and bread and grace.

All this time it has kept an eye on the horizon, watching, keeping vigil, hardly aware of how

it was leaning itself in your direction.

And now that you are here, this blessing can hardly believe its good fortune

that you have finally arrived, that it can drop everything at last to fling its arms wide

to you, crying welcome,

welcome,

welcome.

God's love be with you now and every day in 2021.  Blessings ~~