Freeze Frame Midnight Blessings

Between the two,

old and new,

I'd like to freeze the moment.

Before the ball drop,

before the fireworks,

before the horns and bells and whistles.

Here's the countdown, 

so exciting,

but 

just before we all holler "three, two, one!"

Hold it.

No one move.

Except slowly turn to

look back first.

Thank you, Last Year.

You were abundant,

as promised

in a John 10:10 sort of way.

So let this suspension 

between the two,

old and new,

be flooded with remembering,

and gratitude,

for all the tears towards wisdom

and joys towards life-transforming hope.

Thank you.

And then,

turning again,

face forward now.

Still frozen in the moment.

Considering.

Quiet for a bit.

Breathing slowly on purpose.

And then,

saying this time,

(and meaning it)

Welcome, New Year.

We barely know each other.

But here we are.

Here we are,

frozen in this moment.

where the uneasy unknown

and the hilariously possible 

meet

head on.

So let this suspension

between the two,

be flooded with resilient confidence.

Yes!

Welcome!

And then,

let the ball drop,

light the fireworks,

shake the bells, 

blow the horns and whistles.

And also,

pray.

Like happy.

In whispers.

With singing.

In confidence.

And humbly.

Because,

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

Your steadfast love O LORD

endures forever"

Psalm 138:8

May we often pause between things, to say thank you and to say welcome.

May the memories/lessons from 2023 be the building blocks of strong things for 2024.

And may the new year be filled with the wisdom and purpose of God for you and yours.