Words for the New Year – 2025

As a young woman, our language-loving, scholarly mother kept a small journal where she captured the words of her favorite poets as well as inspiration from thinkers of various ages. Among them was the following, with words especially timely for each new year, but in particular this one, where our individual opportunity to bring a bit of light to the world matters more than ever… shared here in hopes that you too might have the chance to relish these beautiful thoughts, so well-expressed.

Ruth Ellen Whitt, Exec Director, Leadership Texarkana

The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of a new year.
What can I wish this day, this year, may bring to me?
Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer,
nothing at the expense of other men, but just those few 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 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.
A 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, with the wisdom to know when they come.