A time to reflect on the past and future

Happy New Year!

Whatever our background of beliefs, our religion, faith, or none, we hold in common the desire to celebrate the good things in life and console one another in the challenges. This time of year, perhaps more than any other in Britain, is replete with opportunities to spend time enjoying fun and good food in company with family and friends.

Some of us will have made New Year resolutions, and some will have broken them already!

Virtually everyone will have spent some time thinking about others, whether those with them, far away, or deceased loved ones. It is a season of smiles despite the stresses; of laughter despite the hurts; of camaraderie overcoming every divide. We enjoy a change of pace that is on one hand a rest from the normal day to day activities, and at the same time filled with a comforting pattern of gift-giving, play, shopping, and raised glasses. Surely this is the time of year to celebrate our diversity!

The New Year also provides us with a unique opportunity to think about the events of the past year, especially our successes and what might have gone better. It also gives us a chance to think about how we might capitalise on what we have and what might be even better. Jesus enjoyed himself but suggested that we plan and cost an enterprise if we want to succeed (Luke 14:28). Perhaps we might reflect on his words as we anticipate 2019 being a very happy Newyear!

By the Reverend Ross Blackman of Hamilton Old Parish Church