Spiritual connections: A new day — a new year

“Thank you, Lord, for folding back the darkness of night and bringing on the light of a new day.”

In my line of work, it’s necessary to meet with people when they are available – early morning, after work, evenings, and weekends. Since I’m a morning person, many of those meetings begin with someone in the group being asked to offer an impromptu morning prayer. Nothing wakes me up to the possibilities and promises of God like a great morning prayer.

Almost three years ago, my ministry mentor Pastor Dick Hamlin passed away. When he prayed his favorite signature morning prayer, I literally could feel the covers of my bed “folding back” as they had earlier that morning. But more than that, all that was “darkness” in my life or in the world seemed lifted to make way for the dawn of a new day. 

My mind’s eye was drawn back to the first chapter in the Bible and the story about the God of Light, who said, “Let there be Light.” After the Light was declared “good,” it was named “Day.”

Advertisement

So here I am writing to you on New Year’s Day — the day that marks new beginnings like no other day of the year! This is the day that presents the opportunity for new beginnings like no other in the whole year. It encourages new resolves and good intentions. Use it creatively to make new plans and establish new goals and timelines.

The phrase carpe diem comes from the Roman poet Horace. Its literal meaning is pluck the day, but it is more commonly interpreted as seize the day.

If ever there is a day most appropriate for carpe diem in the whole year, it’s today!

So … carpe diem and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Editor’s note: Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) contributor Pastor Rod Anderson also serves on the EPLN Board of Directors. He was the senior pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie.

Interested in contributing a faith-based column to EPLN? Email editor@eplocalnews.org.