A Blessing for Walking into the New Year

You are here

however you got to this point —

maybe by sprint or crawl

limping, or in pain

with hope and joy

the beginning welcomes you.

 

This beginning welcomes you —

to remember the people who walked with you

the places you've been

wins and celebrations

sleepless nights

moments where time stood still

missteps and hard-earned lessons.

 

This beginning invites you to see —

a slant of light streaming through the window

a child’s bedhead and sleepy eyes

sticky fingers and flour-dusted counters

living room dance parties.

 

This beginning revels in the moments —

rocking your babies

shuttling to practices

helping with homework

reading books on the couch.

When you’re here,

give thanks for your hands

for all they have held and carried

soothed and nurtured

for the food chopped

and the toys picked up

for backs massaged

for peace given with a single touch.

 

When you’re here,

give thanks for your feet

for the games of hide-and-seek

the halls paced

walks around the park

visits to and from doctor’s offices.

 

The new year beckons

and invites you forward in hope

with open hands and heart

daring you to dream.

 

//For more of my words on walking and sharing the glimpses of God's goodness right now, sign up for my newsletter (and occasional writings) Walk & Talk.