NEWS FROM THE HILLS

The sun is just 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 to me? Nothing that will make the world or others poorer, nothing at the expense of other men; but just those 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.
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.
An understanding heart.
The sight of the eternal hills and unresting sea, and of something beautiful the hand of man has made.
A sense of humor and the power to laugh.
A little leisure with nothing to do.
A few moments of quiet, silent meditation.
The sense of the presence of God.
And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, and the wisdom to know them when they come.
From “A Morning Wish” by W. R. Hunt
After the massive snowstorm that affected much of our country, the howling winds and blizzard that many endured, and the frigid cold that wrapped around travelers, what a blessing a stretch of mild days bring! As the old year departed, the New Year arrived with sunshine and blue skies.
In the past, I have heard folks mourn that we don’t have winters like we used to have, and what we really need is a good, old-fashioned winter with snow on the ground all winter long. I hope they are satisfied now! I think most people are more than happy to see some mild weather.
It seems that the beginning of a new year inspires a person to mull over the year that is past and gone, and wonder also what the current year will bring. We are prone to remember the highlights of the past year, whether they be good or bad. Many things happen over which we have no control, and we have to remember that it is just “life.”
I remember telling Mom that I couldn’t bear to see her die, and she told me, “Alyce Faye, that is just life. That is God’s plan for us; the older generation passes away, and the next generation takes its place. There’s nothing we can do to change it; we simply accept it and go on.”
The Bible bears out the brevity of this life. When we are young, the years stretch out before us, and it seems that we are rich in time. Now in the evening time of our life, it seems as if our whole lifetime has flown by. Some years are barely remembered, and only the outstanding events define a certain year. It is like a barely remembered dream that faded away even as we tried to recall it.
In the Bible, James writes, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” We may feel that we are so important, and have made our mark on the world, but as Solomon stated so often, “All is vanity.”
Psalms 103:15-16  “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more.”  
How thankful we should be that this life is not all there is! We have scriptures which bear this hope out. Psalms 49-15 says, “But my God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.” In John 6-40, it is written, “And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
What is so wonderful about this is that it is open to everyone. I’ve heard folks say, “Well, I’ve been too wicked—I’ve sinned too much for God to forgive me.” Not so—Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. It’s never too late, either.
I’ve always thought of the New Year as a time for new beginnings. Many folks want to turn over a new leaf, make resolutions, etc. A new beginning calls for more than that. Leaves will fall; resolutions will fade, but a true desire for a new life will produce results. It takes genuine repentance and a sorrow for sin, plus a turning away from the old life. God will forgive, and a new life will begin. It is wonderful to be a child of God!
It is thrilling to begin a new year. Even if the our world situation looks grim, all the news seem to be depressing, and everywhere are gloom and doom, it is still possible to greet each day with an optimistic view. I remember when I was young of waking up and wondering what good thing would happen that day. Would the mailman bring me a welcome letter? Would I meet someone interesting that day?
There are so many things and situations which we cannot change, but we can control our attitudes and how we handle certain situations. It’s not what happens to us that makes or breaks us, but our attitude toward it that makes the difference. I’m thankful that God can give us good attitudes and love for others.
We only have one song request this week, from Patsy Ferrebee of Harrison. She is looking for the words to a song titled “Room 137.” One line goes like this, “I believe that God sends angels to bring His children home.”
Brenda McClanahan of Poca sent a poem that she composed some time back that is quite seasonal.
WINTER
With the first snow of winter,
A peacefulness is found
As the big fluffy snowflakes
Tumble silently to the ground.

They look so fragile
As they fall at a never ending pace
And it’s nice to feel their coolness
As they gently touch your face.

And then the ground is covered
With a blanket fresh and new
And as it glistens in the moonlight
Everything looks soft and blue.

And the first thing in the morning
All appears so pure and white
From the snowflakes that were forming
In the stillness of the night.

May God bless you all this coming year, and may you find Him real in your own heart.
Enjoy this author? Comment on this article online, read past articles and view this author’s biography on www.TheWaynedaleNews.com

Thank you to our community news sponsors!