Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 27

Celebrate 2025

December 30, 2025 - You made it to the end of another year! "Wild bells" (or fireworks and shouts of "Happy New Year!" at midnight) will ring out tomorrow. How do you feel as you look back over the past 365 days?

While children in my congregation sing "One year older and wiser, too" to celebrate a birthday, sometimes we may feel "Dumb and Dumber" for mistakes, misunderstandings, or missteps that occurred in 2025.

As we celebrate the seasons, let us give the gift of grace to ourselves and others. It just might be the greatest of all gifts to give and receive this year.

Here are a few thoughts to Celebrate 2025, no matter what did or didn't happen.

1. There is no growth without pain or occasional backward steps. What lessons did you learn this year that will help you move forward into 2026?
2. What are some of your most cherished memories from this year? Why are they so dear to you?
3. Without beating yourself up, what do you wish you had done differently? How can you ensure you don't make the same choices moving forward?
4. Clock hands will continue to spin and the pages of the calendar will be turned over at regular intervals. While we can't do anything to either speed up time or slow it down, what can you do take advantage of the time you are given in the coming year?
5. Look back with fondness, grace, and compassion over 2025. You weren't perfect, but you were definitely better than you think you were.

"Auld Lang Syne" is from a Scottish dialect and is roughly translated as "times long past." As you take up you own glass of cheer tomorrow night, make sure that it is indeed a "cup of kindness" for yourself and others.

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So until next time, always keep your eye on the One that loves you most. Ciao!

Janine

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