Friday, January 3, 2014

2014: Never Alone



It was upon us again, my most treasured tradition of the year: New Year's Eve with my family.

We met at the Tea House because it seems that we really do need a fire place for the occasion; we started with hors d'oeuvres and sparkling apple cider and frappuccinos; we played a few rounds of a game; and then, just after 11:30 pm, it was time.










The table by the fire place was cleared off and the tray containing the promises for the year was brought over.


We sang some songs from the cherished song book that BA had carefully typed out all those years ago. Dad read a few verses from the Bible. A few people said what they were thankful for about the year making its exit. Allan prayed. 

And then Dad  lit the candle in the centre of the tray upon which the promises he had typed out rested, and moved the whole plate to a table in the middle of the room.

Selection order this year was decreed to be youngest to oldest, so Matt went first.






 When it got to my turn, I silently committed the selection of my promise to God, asking for a verse that would show me how He would meet my needs, known and unknown, for the coming year. 

And I chose a green ribbon this year.




 
In the last few weeks of 2013 I had been contemplating my life, my work, my relationships, my future. I had asked for wisdom and guidance. I had asked for security and reassurance.

And the verse I chose met me at each of those question marks: He will be there, with me and for me; He will help me; I do not have to be afraid.

Even though I don't know what this year holds, I know Who holds the year, and that is enough.

It was confirmed for me the next night when we were joined by Bronwyn's family and they drew their promises. Then someone asked Allan to "sing like George Beverly Shea," and this is the song he sang (this version is not GBS, but still a sweet rendition):




Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand




7 comments:

  1. such a beautiful promise-

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  2. Seven years ago at New Year's, your Mother and Dad entertained some of us at their home. She had made ribbon promises for each of us, and mine has this same verse on it! It is sitting on my window sill above my sink where I see it often! What blessings she keeps giving!!

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  3. What a special tradition! Did your mom start it? And what a meaningful promise you received. Mine was not a direct quote but certainly is Bible-principle based: God says, "I have a plan. I am working out the details... even now. Trust Me!"

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    1. I love your promise, Edna. I'm not sure if Mum or Dad started this tradition - maybe they came up with it together? More than likely ... All I know is, for all the life that I can remember, we have been drawing promises on New Year's Eve. I remember when Dad would sit at his typewriter for the days leading up to New Year's Eve, typing about 600 promises to make sure that each of the students, faculty, and church congregants would have a promise to hold on to for the year. THEN he would have to conduct the "watch-night" song service and preach at it as well! I truly have amazing parents ...

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  4. I also remember joining your family for New Year's Eve & I still have my ribbon as well. John 14:27 "My peace I leave with you..." If my memory is correct it was 2002 the last New Year's that my mom was here for.

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  5. you are "a woman of promise"

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  6. The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
    Have a wonderful year
    love you Brenda

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