2026

 

How does one expectantly step foot into the next year when the departing one was such an overwhelming disappointment?

I’ll tell you how.

One thinks of the solidarity of sign-painters and postcard writers.

Of the dew that still forms unencumbered on early morning blades of grass.

Of the unbridled giggle of a five-year-old who has covertly tickled her grandfather’s feet.

Of the sun rising even after the hardest days.

Or of the blessed worldwide dissent which murmurs with encouragement across borders…

reaching the ears and bolstering the resolve of those still desperately gripping a waning democracy.

With trepidation we will stick our collective toe into this new year.

We will smile at strangers

Hold the door for others

Notice tiny glimmers of hope in seas of sorrow

Lift the concerns of people beyond our sheltered circles

Refuse to become numb to suffering

Stand for justice

And peace

We will fix our thoughts on what is true

Honorable

Right

Pure

Lovely

and admirable.

We will think about these things, as directed.

And we will act accordingly.