New Year, New Beginning, New Hope

New Year is a joyous and special occasion we celebrate every first day of the year. The sky indeed will lighten up with colorful fireworks. We will also hear loud bangs and noises everywhere to welcome it. There is also a scientific belief that when you wear polka dots dresses, it will give you good fortune throughout the year. While to those who wish to grow taller, they have to jump three times at exactly 12 midnight during New Year's Eve.

We, Filipinos, are also accustomed to listing down our New Year’s resolution. These are the things that we aim to achieve or change to get the ball rolling for the whole year. One of the most common promises that we make is to live a healthy lifestyle by going on a diet to achieve the size that we want. Another one is to save money by avoiding online shopping applications and even buying at the physical store. Some pledge to be better, to strive more, and also to self-love.

As we can see, New Year symbolizes hope and a new beginning. We are looking forward to changes, something new to start the year with, and new opportunities that will elevate us to achieve our dreams and to be the best person we want to be. It is like planning for our future with the silver lining no matter how unpleasant the last year had brought us.

On the other hand, some people fear uncertainties as to the year changes. This might be due to the circumstances we have witnessed or encountered in the past year that gave us different realizations and perspectives in life. We have fought difficult battles. We have cried in pain silently. We have experienced emptiness, failure, and rejection that made us cynical about the things that are in front of us.

It is true that life is uncertain. But just like the fireworks that spark the sky amidst the darkness, let the love of God shines our path as we take each step with faith and trust in Him. It might not give us the whole picture of where we are heading to but it is enough to sustain us and to keep on going because God is able to grant the deepest desires of our hearts in accordance with His will and glory. If things turned out the way we have planned them just like what we have listed in our new year’s resolution lists, let God hold the pen for us to write our own unique stories because His plan is better than ours.

2021 will be a close book full of happy memories that will be cherished forever, and faint ones that will serve as a reminder of courage and endurance. May we face this year equipped with all the lessons we have learned from the year 2021 and act the plans we have for 2022 with God’s provision and guidance. Happy New Year!