Nigel Alston sends out a prayer for the year ahead

By: Nigel Alston | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: January 21, 2012

Thank you Lord for giving me

The brand new year ahead

Help me live the way I should

As each new day I tread.

Charlotte Anselmo

(New Year's Prayer)

Another year was ushered in a few weeks ago under the cover of night as people around the world joined the countdown, seconds before midnight — 10, 9, 8 ... Happy New Year!

There were celebrations, parties and watch-night services, toasts to good health, resolutions made (again), hugs, kisses and prayers to celebrate a new beginning, a clean slate. I believe today is another good day above ground, one to rejoice and be glad in.

I really have nothing to complain about (what about you?), even though I fall into that trap at times. I come out of it rather quickly when I think about how fortunate I am and count my blessings.

A few days ago I viewed a YouTube video a friend sent me: "Happy New Year — Auld Lang Syne," by Sissel. It is beautiful — the song and the images throughout. Yet, it was the prayer by Charlotte Auselino at the beginning of the video that caught my attention. I have read it several times now.

Give me gentle wisdom

That I might help a friend

Give me strength and courage

So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty

Help me fill it with good things

Each new day filled with joy

And the happiness it brings.

I am sitting in front of my computer now writing and reflecting on the past year, thinking about the lessons learned, while watching "Unsung" featuring the R&B group Atlantic Starr. Yes, multi-tasking and reading that prayer again.

The holiday has been a good one. I enjoyed time with family and friends. I laughed often and ate some good food (too much!). I have given and received gifts, opened cards and exchanged holiday greetings. I have read a few thought-provoking books and shared several with friends and family.

Ready or not, the new year is here. Wherever you are, you have made an appointment to be there. Yes, we — you and I — have made prior arrangements to be at our current destination. Through our actions, or maybe we didn't act, we have arrived where we are today.

I have been thinking about that today, too. There is value in pausing to reflect, stopping for a moment to think, understand and adjust; to appreciate the journey and the lessons learned, to refocus and to move on.

Please give the leaders of our world

A courage born of peace

That they might lead us gently

And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth

A heart that's filled with love

A gently happy way to live

With Your blessings from above.

I have learned that I should ask for help when needed. I understand the value of developing relationships and building social capital, both functions of personal contact over time. The more often we come together, the better we know each other, and our relationships take root.

I have learned the value of listening and the importance of following instructions, however difficult. I recognize the importance of living intentionally and with passion.

I have learned that you should take risks and expand your comfort zone (that mental house we live in), if you want to continue to grow and develop.

I know that procrastination contributes to stress and worry. To improve the quality of your life, take action on what needs to be done today.

You and I have another chance to make today a great day, unless we have other plans. Consider these words that appeared at the end of the video my friend shared: The New Year lies before you like a spotless tract of snow. Be careful how you tread on it, for every mark will show.

Nigel Alston lives in Winston-Salem. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.