Give thanks for what is, accept what’s to come

As we begin a new year, the words of the former U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld are most appropriate: “For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”

I would like to wish all of you a most happy New Year. May this year be a year of growth and fulfillment.

In the last year of his life, Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote in his journal, “Fear not that your life will end, but rather fear that it will never have a beginning.” We all look for opportunities to begin our lives anew.

Writer Dan Simpson asks us to imagine that each of us has a “bank account” that credits you with 86,400 seconds every day. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There are no rollover seconds or drawing against tomorrow’s. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! Make the most of today.

Instead of having a “things-to-do list,” create a “things-to-be list.” Concentrate on the feelings you want to have, the condition of mind and spirit you yearn for, the quality of life you want to manifest, the vibrations you want to give off to other people. Focus on the type of relationship you want with God, with others, with yourself, and with nature.

Always do what you believe is right. Learn to laugh, especially at yourself. Be open to the unexpected, especially unexpected guest. The best things in life are not “things.” We could list many other things like honesty, integrity, truth, courage, commitment, grace, kindness, true friendship, etc. St. Paul would list only one thing – knowing Christ.

The following story by an unknown author is entitled “Happiness is.”

“We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren’t old enough and we’ll be more content when they are. After that, we’re frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a delightful vacation, when we retire.

“The truth is, there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, ‘For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to go through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.’

“This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. Remember, time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift from God. That is why we call it the present. Live in the present!