An Old Prayer for a New Year

At the beginning of a New Year, our thoughts often go to New Year's resolutions, working out AGAIN, eating better, giving up our unhealthy habits and ways, and maybe even becoming a better person.

But let us take pause and dig a bit deeper. This is Thomas Aquinas and I think that his 13th century prayer is totally relevant for today...

Painting by Sandro Botticelli 1481-2

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart,
which no selfish desires may drag downwards;
Give us an unconquered heart,
which no troubles can wear out;
Give us an upright heart,
which no unworthy ambitions may tempt aside.

Give us also, O Lord our God,
understanding to know you,
perseverance to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.




When I first found this, I immediately felt its importance and felt its impact.  But it took me awhile to sit with it and ponder and allow the full weight of it to sink in. 

Here is my paraphrase...
Give me, O Lord, a heart that is loyal and does not waiver,
Help me not to think only of myself lest I become selfish and self-serving;
Give me a heart that's strong and resilient,
Help me to not be weighed down by the difficulties that come my way;
Give me a decent and honest heart,
Help me to not be led astray down inconsequential and meaningless paths.

Give me also, O Lord my God,
Understanding to know the real You,
Persistence to look for you at all times and in all situations,
Wisdom to know when I've found You,
And a faith that holds on to You through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Happy New Years to Me

I look forward to January 1 almost as much as Christmas morning.  Every New Years morning I sit down with a cup of hot cocoa and open my BLUE BOX. Every time I am treated to all of the stories of the year that have blessed me.  They come in all shapes and forms ...pictures, gifts, cards, emails, letters and handwritten notes that I've tossed in my box.  Some are vivid memories and others are pleasant surprises that had been forgotten amidst the clamor and busyness of the year.

Today I cried as I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and blessing. Now I must reach out and return the blessing  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NEW YEARS TIDBITS & TREASURES

 

I've been waiting for this NEW YEARS DAY.   Back in March of 2013, I found an article in the Sunday PARADE MAGAZINE by Connie Schultz.  In her story, she details the 5 material items that she deemed worth saving should her house catch on fire.  Number 3 on her list was a really ugly old cookie jar (one of those scary clown faces) which was a wedding gift to her parents back in 1957.  She named it Charlie in honor of her dad. Connie repurposed it to hold notes that she regularly tossed in about the good things that happened in her own family.  On New Year's Eve it is their family tradition to read all these collected notes of small wonder. 

Since that day in March, I have been tossing "tidbits" and "treasures" into my own little blue box.  Every time I get a surprise email or something noteworthy happens, it gets tossed in the blue box.  This morning the house was quiet. I made a cup of hot cocoa in my favorite French mug and sat down in front of the lighted Christmas tree and opened up my blue box.  I cried while I read all the wonderful stories, surprises, and notes sent by friends and strangers alike.  I read quotes and meaningful excerpts from favorite books.  I read scraps of paper on which I had printed other artist's blogs that resonated with me.  I read a fortune from a fortune cookie.  Treasures all! It was a great reminder of the blessings of 2013.  If you took the time to send me a special email, it was undoubtedly in my blue box.  Thank you!

Perhaps you will join me in this tradition for 2014. Perhaps you can share a tradition that is meaningful to you. Most of all, I encourage you to look for the blessings!

Click on:  Connie's Original Article