The start of a New Year is much like opening a new notebook and seeing the first, clean page in front of you. In turn, during the year as we change the calendar from month to month it is much like turning the pages of the notebook to show another clean page. The month and the year before us are fresh and waiting for the pen of life to make the permanent marks on the pages.

As we start 2017 our calendars are empty before us. Perhaps today you will fill in upcoming commitments or jot down those pesky resolutions we all feel compelled to make. But first pause for a moment and reflect on the past year. Review the good things you are thankful for and tuck them into your treasure chest of good memories. There have been unpleasant episodes and unhappy days; reflect on them and learn the lessons they taught, but don’t dwell on them. Perhaps you’ve had sadness fill your heart, but remember that the loving Father is near. In the good times and the not so good times, God is with us.

After this review it is time to close the calendar for 2016; it is the past and 2017 waits before us. As your pen hovers over the first day of January pause for a moment and look forward. The page is blank waiting for your pen to begin the writing and a fresh, new year is waiting to unfold.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer