Welcoming 2018

I watched as the old hands of time
made their way to midnight,
and like two hands folded in prayer
lifted high,
I said good bye to one year
and welcomed the next.

I can't say that I felt any remorse
as Auld Lang Syne
often makes me feel.
Somehow above the sounds
of rockets exploding,
people cheering and laughing,
a somber reminder that peace on earth
still has a long way to go.

I couldn't help but remember
the challenges this last year had brought,
as well as the hopes and dreams crushed,
but somewhere, under leaves
that withered and left
only a memory, a new leaf
emerges, as a new generation does.

I suppose I'm still a romantic,
filled with hope as
those who wish upon stars and cross their hearts.
Until the new year proves itself,
I might actually hold my breath
and pray I don't find myself gasping following some act.

Like so many others
on this journey,
I will raise to heaven,
with both heart and lips,
one more request.
"May God bless all humanity,
both living and the dead."

For on this day I am but one
among nations and city blocks,
to proclaim,
"May I be healthy and strong. Be surrounded by those I love.
May strangers find hospitality, and may I be given the mind to discern Godly answers, when given the choice to answer or be silent."

"Teach me to be transparent, even when it seems overwhelmingly vulnerable."

"God of this new year, please, may YOU be, present to us always, even when we close our eyes, both when happy and in fear."

And with that, I watched as the hands of time, slowly slipped away from one another.
In my heart it was clear,
I am the one who must now be
the vessel
that will initiate all these things.

Happy New Year, and Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams, (c) 2018