We've reached the end of the holiday season, it's time to turn our thoughts to the future . . . may I wish you a very happy New Year?
True, we've seen plenty of new years before, but wouldn't you agree that this one seems particularly significant?
It comes after a year of much change, much confusion, and much that was unexpected.As the door closes on 2017, the world is left feeling more than a little worried, stressed and exhausted.
We're apprehensive as to what the future holds. Floundering in uncertainty, we feel greatly in need of some solid basis for hope.
This worldwide apprehension is fuelled by a great variety of factors. Factors which include accelerating climate change, the migrant crisis, the threat of terrorism, and, for many countries, internal discord created by growing political and religious divisions. In addition to all of this, faith in democracy has been badly shaken.
So, what awaits us in 2018?
It's hard to be optimistic.
Yet, if 2018 is to rise out of the smouldering ashes of 2017, surely optimism should feature as our primary New Year Resolution?
True, fear generates fear, and antagonism, generates antagonism. But, and this is the good news, there's another side to the story.
Optimism, hope, happiness, generosity, compassion and gratitude generate their own positive and infectious energies in equal measure . . . even typing those words gave me a sense of their potency.
Just say them aloud . . . you'll see what I mean.
Another New Year Resolution to consider is contained in the wise words of an ancient Tibetan proverb: "Eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure."
But may I leave the last word to Br. David Steindl-Rast?
Click here to guarantee that you'll step into 2018 with an abiding sense of gratitude.
So, on this New Year's Day, let's wish each other a happy, loving and grateful New Year, a year filled with compassion and laughter.
And, who knows, you and I may have many more reasons for gratitude before the new year ends!
