Post 45/2024 Goshen IN. Since my last post on November 4 . . . what to say . . . life has moved on. This week we bid adieu to dear President Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday at age 100. The tributes and reflections are heartwarming and true.

In the enduring spirit of Mr. Carter, and those who are dear to us who have gone before, I offer a New Year prayer by Francis Brienen, from The Complete Book of Christian Prayer (Continuum, New York, 1997).

God of all time,
who makes all things new,
we bring before you the year now ending.
For life full and good,
for opportunities recognized and taken,
for love known and shared,
we thank you.

Where we have fallen short,
forgive us.
When we worry over what is past,
free us.

As we begin again
and take our first few steps into the future,
where nothing is safe and certain,
except you,
we ask for the courage of the wise men
who simply went and followed a star.
We ask for their wisdom,
in choosing to pursue the deepest truth,
not knowing where they would be led.
In the year to come, God of all time,
be our help and company.
Hold our hands as we journey onwards
and may your dream of shalom,
where all will be at peace,
be our guiding star.

A glad new year to you and all the earth.

-John

See you here in the New Year.