Twas the night before New Year

when all through the house, 

Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse; 

“This is the year!” I proclaimed to my spouse,

“Running and biking and whatever else,

It’s time for a change, a workout or two,

it’s time for the gym and I’d like to go with you.”

The leftover fudge packed deep in the fridge, 

In hopes that spinach would suffice in a pinch.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds.

While visions of dumbbells danced in my head.

And Ma in her leggings, and I in my shorts,

We are ready to workout when the sun rose of course,

Off to bed, I would go, after locking the door, 

I turned to the kitchen to shut lights-nothing more. 

When out in the kitchen, there arose such a smell,

I couldn’t believe we had baked it so well,              

The single flat item sat there on the plate,

Frosted with sugar, no chance I could wait

The crunch of the cookie, the sweetness of frost, 

Decorated in sprinkles, my mind was now lost 

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter,

I dropped the baked good to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

But my wife standing there with a disappointed sneer.

“I left out that cookie to see what you’d do, 

I feared you would eat it, or it’d eat at you.

We both agreed what this new year meant

Yet you couldn’t do it and that’s what I fret.”

I stood for a moment, confident and proud,

“Oh my dear you are wrong, and I’ll tell you how.

Tonight’s not a new year, oh no not at all, 

It’s not a new year till New York drops the ball 

The old year’s still here, and so is its fare,

Tomorrow we’ll wake and THEN . . . start a brand new year!” 

At the calendar’s turn, may God’s blessings endure,

He never changes or goes back on His word,

Though our goals may fade, and our resolutions fall

God’s promises remain, not just for some . . but for ALL.  

As we say goodbye t0 2022,

I can’t wait to celebrate the new year, with all of you.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Austin