A fresh beginning rolls across the world
In every time zone, people seem to be happy to bid 2008 adieu….and good riddance.
Fireworks exploded in a kaleidoscopic shower of light over Sydney’s shimmering harbor Wednesday, as the world’s first major city to ring in 2009 celebrated the end of a decidedly rocky year with cheers, beers and a sense of relief.
Spectator Randolph King, 63, of York, England, whose retirement fund was gutted in the global financial crisis, summed up the feeling of many across the world as 2008 came to a close: “I’m looking forward to 2009,” he said. “Because it can’t get much worse.”
The piece lists obvious woes from the past year, and it’s been a tough one.
But in reading those comments by folks who lament they’ve lost so much financially and have nothing to celebrate, I’m reminded of something a man said after his young wife was struck with a sudden heart attack and died. Going through her things, he saw items she wouldn’t use or wear except for ‘special occasions’. Choking up with tears, he said “Every day you’re alive is a special occasion.” I’ve never forgotten that.
So, celebrate the new beginning. And every day of the new year.Â
In the Philippines, President Arroyo looked toward the future.
“I pray for greater peace and stability,” Arroyo said. “I hope that we can all work together as a global community to weather these storms.”
The hope comes from the prayer.
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Hm. I disagree with the people who say “2009 can’t possibly be worse than 2008.” Actually, life on earth can get a lot worse! Doesn’t anyone read history books? I’d rather lose all my money and material posessions than be fed to lions, die of the plague, or be thrown in a concentration camp.
I once read the story of a woman’s discovering all sorts of “special occasion” items amongst her dead mother’s collection of things. Special candles, tableclothes, perfumes, etc. All unused because all were saved up for a special occasion. The author vowed she would use all of her own special things while she was alive to enjoy them. The article touched me so much that I try not to save too many things for a day that may never come. For example, with my own children, we do indeed eat off the Spode plates every Sunday evening.
God doesn’t promise us a pain-free life. He just asks us to make the most of the life we’re given. I think I’ll scream if I hear one more person whine about how 2009 couldn’t be more horrible than 2008!
Thanks for this reminder, Sheila!