The first reading on New Year’s Day is a fitting way to start something new. It is the Lord saying to Moses to bless with these words: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace!” What a comforting sound!

I finished the theme of giving in December. I was saved at the last moment in achieving my goal. I was wondering, “How on earth am I going to give away thirty things one day and the very next day, thirty-one?” Then I was looking through some cards that I have been hanging on to for years and thought, “I could give these away! It would take me three lifetimes to use them all anyway and someone else could use them. They’re beautiful.” So I sorted through them, made sure they all had matching envelopes and tied them together to bring to the thrift store.

With the new year and new month, I’m on to a different theme. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.