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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Canon Rachel Mann

Dark winter months

Good morning.

Unlike some people, I find there is something almost magical about early January. The year has just begun, and as it stretches ahead, it seems full of possibilities and promise. In these early days of the new year, I find myself thinking that almost anything is possible.

I recognise that not everyone will see the world that way. For some, January is really tough and, indeed, sometimes can be a cruel month; there can seem no end to the long, cold nights and, for any numbers, January can hold no promise at all, beyond the prospect of damaging one’s mental well-being. I do not underestimate this. I too have found myself, at times, facing huge psychological challenges as the dark winter months have stretched on.

Nonetheless, I am inclined to agree with Thomas Jefferson who said, ‘I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.’ The prophet Isaiah goes even further, saying, ‘Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.’ He believes we can let go of the past because God promises ‘to do a new thing’ in the future.

What I find very moving in Isaiah’s words is that they were written by someone living in exile, far from home, and facing no prospect of these difficult days ending. When he wrote his words, the promise of better days was still far off in the future. He had to hold onto hope, and trust that the way ahead was full of possibility.

Gracious God, show me how I may be someone who holds onto hope and promise. Whether this day will bring good things or bad, grant me the courage and perseverance to show forth your love.

Amen.

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