New Years Eve 2009: Hope as the Theme

For most of us, this time of year is one of celebration with family and friends. We rejoice in the great year we had or that the pains of the past twelve months are laid to rest with the changing of the calendar. Anticipation, and perhaps fear, fill our hearts and minds as we make plans and goals.

Lost in the "Auld Lang Synes" and botoxed Dick Clarks are those on the margins, the homeless, the suffering and the orphans. Thousands sit at home alone, mourning the emptiness of being without a dear one for the first time this holiday season. Depression and anxiety reign supreme in many lives, and times of gatherings, of parties and reflections shine light on our loss and suffering more than any other time.

As we all change our desk calendars at work on Monday, let us not forget to walk with hope and joy at new beginnings. May we surround those around us with Love and Peace, as we do not know how deeply someone might suffer in silence. We have the opportunity to change the direction of one life, but we will not if we never take the risk of being involved.

Let us be Hope, for hope gets us through the darkest of days. Let us be Peace, for peace is the necessary contrast to the roars of anger bitterness. And let us be Love, for love is the movement, and truly, Love Wins.