Tonight the words of Scotsman Robbie Burns, “Auld Lang Syne” will be sung in many homes, halls and gathering places. The poem, written in 1788, originally a song sung on Hogmanay in Scotland has spread around the world as the Scots have emigrated across the globe. The poem lends a wistful air as he considers days gone by and old times. Now, sung on New Year’s Eve the New Year’s Even anthem calls us to remember the past and anticipate the future. It is often sung while revellers hold hands as a token of friendship (Or to hold each other up?!?!?) A lesser known verse begins, “Here’s a hand my trusty friend. Give me a hand of thine.”
Today might seem like just another day but it is a day that hangs as a hinge and on it 2015 ends and 2016 begins. In the last couple of days several people have said, “Can you believe it is 2016 already?” Those readers who remember the excitement, and the trauma, when we began the new millennium in 2000 are scratching their heads wondering how the last 16 years have passed so quickly. In truth, each day begins with the opportunity to serve, to share, to explore, to celebrate, to be thankful. What we chose to do with each day is, in many ways, our choice.
I hope this ‘hinge day’ is one on which you can look back to the year passed with a measure of gratitude and that you can look to 2016 with an anticipation of good things.
May your New Year be blessed with good tidings. Tonight, join hands with those you are with and remember the moment because the moments pass so quickly.
As you look to 2016 may it be a year when the Spirit will guide you, prod you, cajole you, hold you, comfort you, inspire you, and transform you.
Happy New Year.
