There is something about a clean sheet of paper, a fresh canvas, an open book. Each New Year presents us with an opportunity to begin again. St. Francis of Assisi addressed his followers with the following words as he lay dying: “Let us begin, for up to now, we have done nothing.”
The following words from various authors and sources offer us some reflections on the New Year:
“Carry a heart that never hates, a smile that never fades, and a touch that never hurts.” - Anonymous
“Write a new plan; turn a new page; follow a new direction; watch a new program; be a new person; radiate a new enthusiasm.” - William Arthur Ward
“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” - Doris Day
“Today give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine they see all day.” - George Goldtrap
“A good sense of humor will get you everywhere.” - Josh Bowman
“Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, tolerant of the weak, because some day in your life you will be all of these.” - George Washington Carver
“Do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it, that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear.” - Dale Carnegie
“A hug is like a boomerang – you get it right back. A hug is the best gift anyone can get.” - Bobbie Lyon
“Do not resent growing old; many are denied the privilege.” - Jim Reed
“To courageously straighten again after our heads have been bowed by defeat, disappointment and suffering is the supreme test of character.” - Anonymous
“Take care of your health. We all must do everything we can to preserve it. Prevention is also a life issue.” - Cal Samra
“He whose face gives no light shall never become a star.” - William Blake
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Truly I say to you. . . whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive it, if you have faith.’” - Matthew 21:22
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator