New Year’s Day,

New Year’s Day I associate in my mind with memories and resolutions, the past and the future. Covid 19 has changed that. I’m feeling the past still with us. No number of New Year’s resolutions will change the future. How depressing! What can I do to change my attitude?

^“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:7-9) These words have carried me throughout my life. I need them more than ever now.

There is goodness. I have always had enough to eat, even when my children were young and both my husband and I were in university. Every time we were desperate, provisions came from friends, school, institutions. This year, I have contributed to many charities so that others may also have enough to eat. I have not fed the world. Certainly I could have done more. But I have done some, for people overseas, and for people right here in Peterborough. Yes, I have been given opportunities for good. Thank you, God.

Today, I am blessed by a wonderful family – some close by, some far away – very far away – Vancouver and South Africa. We have Zoom, and Skype, and cell phones and internet. They do not replace gathering together with hugs, taking family pictures, eating at one table. But we still have had contact. We are all healthy and well. Yes, these are good things. Thank you, God.

Scientists the world over have worked together, supported by governments and corporations. We now have not one, but two vaccines already being administered, and more on the way. So what if greed has been part of the motivation. There has also been much goodness. Thank you God for giving the world this miracle.

We’ve a long struggle ahead, but we know this too shall pass eventually. As we begin 2021, there is abundant goodness to remember. Our planet is healing. We are learning from our mistakes. We have resolutions to keep. In 2021, we will continue to work together. We will help one another. We will do what needs to be done, roll up our sleeves, wear masks, maintain distance and curtail travel. I am truly grateful. Together, let us all focus on the goodness around us.

Prayer: Lord give us patience. Keep reminding us to wear masks, to stay home, to play our role in ridding our world of the menace of Covid 19. Open our eyes and hearts to the goodness around us. Motivate us to do our part in maintaining that goodness. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.