It has been my tradition for many years to start a new year by sharing a prayer that my mother shared with me decades ago.

2025 was a challenging year for me but also one filled with personal growth. As the first entire calendar year without my soulmate beside me, I faced a roller coaster of emotions. Through it all, God was there, comforting, guiding, protecting and leading me to new challenges and adventures.

I pray the words here will come to be as meaningful to you as they have been for me.


NEW YEAR PRAYER

May God make your year a happy one,
Not by shielding you from sorrow and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, if it comes.
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy enough to travel any path.
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking all cowardice and fear from your heart.
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows.
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you where man and his cause need you most,
And by making you anxious to be there, and to help.

Author unknown