January4 The Sun Came Out

For some, the New Year is a time for resolutions; for others, it is a time for reflection and focus.

It was not lost on me when the sun came out strong and bright on the first day of this new year in spite of powerful winds and snow. Light is a sign of hope throughout the year and in those early hours of the new year, the warmth of the sun lightened my shoveling load. I wondered if light might be my OLW (one little word)? 

Yet, the sky was heavy as I processed the sad news of a young life lost to cancer. I could only hope and pray her family might find a way to temper the horrific loss.  I wondered if there was even a word that would light the way out of such grief?

There did not seem to be much light at all as I read about an early morning invasion of another country and the capture of its leader by my own country. I listened and tried to understand, but words like imperialism kept popping into my head. I can only hope that there is a plan going forward to move towards a world of empowered, self-governed people.

For now, I'm holding onto the hope fostered by that bright first day of this year. I hope that cancer research and treatments may offer hope to all who suffer.  I hope leaders and decision makers on the local, national, and international level may begin to think about the impact of their actions on others. I hope that I can remain hopeful even on the days when the sun does not seem to come out. I hope it will be easier to be hopeful in the remaining 361 days of 2026.