My New Year's wish for You
This in on the reverse side of an old 78 record from the 50s
The sun will soon be rising on the morning of another day –
The first day of the New Year.
What can I wish that this day, this year may bring?
Nothing that shall make the world or others poorer,
Nothing at the expense of other men.
But just those few things which, in their coming, do not stop with me,
But touch me rather as they pass and gather strength;
A few friends who understand me and yet remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value, without which the world would feel the poorer;
A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays
I wish this New year to bring me a mind unafraid to travel,
Even thou the trail be not blazed;
A heart that understands, and in understanding
Better able to help you carry your load in life.
May I understand the meaning of the trear’s that sometimes dim your eyes,
May I never be the cause of the deep hurt that I’ve seen in your eyes,
May the New Year bring a sight of the eternal hills and the unrest
And of something beautiful the hand of man has made.
Bring me also, and this is important,
A sense of humour and the power to laugh,
A little leisure with nothing to do but spin my dreams.
When the day is done, and the evening descends
And cloaks us in her robes of deep velvet.
I wish those who are away a speedy and save return,
And for those that return not,
The reward they sought in the house of Our Father.
I ask also for a few moments of quiet medication
And the knowledge of the presence of God.
May I never be the cause of one tear to fall,
One heart to ache, one friend to loose.
I ask for the patience to wait for the coming of these things
With the Wisdom to know them when they come,
And that is My New Year’s wish for you.