Day 287 | Thursday, 31 December 2020

Day 287 - Audio Version

---

​On the radio this morning it was reported that there were 71 new cases of COVID in the county yesterday with 3 more deaths. Be Aware!
 
DAY 287 | Thursday, 31 December 2020

 Here it is, the final day of the year 2020 and for several reasons we are ready to bid this year a farewell.

 One of the blessings of this year was the new neighbors we welcomed into the Woodlands.  It looks as though we will be welcoming a new neighbor in early 2021 as well.

When the pandemic started and we had to make huge adjustments to our lifestyles back in March, none of us knew how we would be adjusting.  I do not believe any of us thought then that we would still be amid this pandemic at the end of the year.  Yet here we are still watching as more people are dying from the virus.  The good news is that we now have a vaccine to help in the future.

 March 20, 2020, I began these daily meditations, thoughts, reflections, prayers etc. for our Woodlands community to keep us strong as we faced the uncertainty of the future.  We have gone through a range of feelings and emotions over these 287 days.  The Church Mouse wanted to help with the daily thoughts to share some different ideas and some humor.  As time progressed, different neighbors asked if I minded if they shared these daily thoughts with friends.  My church, Christ First UMC, asked if it was OK to include the daily writings on its website.  I soon was given the title “The Woodlands Shepherd.”  Friends who heard what I was doing asked to be included in the emails.  As of this date, I really have no idea how many people are receiving and passing along these words.  In all honesty, I did not expect to be writing daily for these many days.  I promise you I will continue for as long as necessary. 

 As we bid farewell to 2020, Judy and I want to thank all of you for the blessing you have been to us.  We are looking forward to the times when we can gather as a community and share in picnics and other activities.  We want to wish you God’s blessings as we begin a new year, a time for new beginnings.

 Holy and Gracious God, we have relied on your presence and your guidance through this past, difficult year.  Our prayers continue to lift our neighbors who are experiencing health issues and who need to sense your presence.  Be with every one of us as we contemplate the beginning of a new year.  Continue to surround us with the hope, peace, love, and joy of the observance of the coming of Christ into our world.  May we be aware of your Holy Spirit as we journey onward as your people.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessings.  Amen
​
 A Prayer for New Year's Eve
“As we stand at the threshold of a new year, O Lord, help us remember that our times are in your hand. We come to thank you, for years we have had and for the opportunity of entering this new year with your Spirit as our guide and help. Therefore, we bow in gratitude and love before you that we may properly show that we know the Source of all heavenly grace and blessings.  In Christ's name. Amen.”