New Year Prayer

Doug and I went to church today, and after a wonderful service we were blessed to work in the kitchen serving rolls, coffee and juice. Our church and the people in it always refresh our spirits.

I found this anonymous New Year's prayer; it spoke to me and I hope you enjoy it too:


May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.