Our New Year by Lora E. Clement

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

Our New Year

By Lora E. Clement

LORA E. CLEMENT

TIME hath wings: it flieth swiftly. The passing days have brimmed with action, and it is hard to realize that another yearly cycle has run its course. Once again it is inventory time; resolution time; a time when old-year memories mingle with new-year hopes. 1915 is history; 1916 a prophecy.

In the business world the beginning of a year is marked by a careful taking account of stock. Often shop-worn goods are offered at a bargain in order that there may be room for fresh, attractive supplies. Every merchant must know how he stands, in order that he may have a record of profit and loss, and know whether or not his work has been successful. And is not this a fitting season for us to balance personal accounts with ourselves, our fellow men, and with our God? Is it not a time for taking an inventory, to determine our character standing?

As we pause upon the threshold, a backward glance brings memories surging. Sunshine and shadow mingle in every life. Joy and sorrow, success and failure, have walked hand in hand during the past twelve months. But this is part of an all-wise Father’s purpose; for “we would not cling to his guiding hand if the way were always bright.”

And so, as we turn the page to begin a new record, “let us forget the things that vexed and tried us, the worrying things that caused our souls to fret; the hopes that, cherished long, were still denied us, let us forget. Let us forget the little slights that pained us; the greater wrongs that rankle sometimes yet; the pride with which some lofty one disdained us, let us forget. Let us forget our brother’s fault and failing, the yielding to temptations that beset, that he perchance, though grief be unavailing, cannot forget.

“But blessings manifold, past all deserving, kind words and helpful deeds, a countless throng, the fault o’ercome, the rectitude unswerving, let us remember long. The sacrifice of love, the generous giving, when friends were few the hand-clasp warm and strong, the fragrance of each life of holy living, let us remember long. Whatever things were good and true and gracious, whate’er of right has triumphed over wrong, what love of God or man has rendered precious, let us remember long. So, pondering well the lessons it has taught us, we tenderly may bid the year good-by, holding in memory the good it brought us; letting the evil die.”

And the future, what countless possibilities and opportunities it holds! Shall we not resolve to keep the record of this “the youngest child of time” with all diligence, covenanting with ourselves and God to live each day the simple, sincere Christian life? Some of us can sympathize with the little girl who, thinking to help her mother very much, undertook to dust some costly china. Coming to grief, she climbed down, knelt among the fragments, and asked the Lord to help

her be “just common good.” We may not be privileged to do great things for God or man. There are highways and byways on the road of service.

When James Gordon Bennett sent Stanley into Africa, he said: “Draw on me for a thousand pounds today to provide your equipment, and when that is exhausted, draw on me for another thousand; and when that is gone, draw another thousand; and when that is used, draw another and another — but find Livingstone.” Our Heavenly Father authorizes us to draw on him for grace and courage to make 1916 the best year of our lives. When one day’s supply of strength is exhausted, we may draw another, and then another, and still another. What he asks is that we glorify him by a life of devoted service.

To do our God-given work; to live simply, exercising hospitality of heart and home; to face each coming day with courage; to heed the voice of conscience, rendering cheerful obedience to the right; to practice becoming self-denial; to show sympathy without the sacrifice of honor; to forgive, as we wish to be forgiven; to think kind thoughts and speak gracious words; to bow reverently before the discipline of Providence; to worship God devoutly; to be humble without self-depreciation, and holy without self-righteousness; “to remember the past with gratitude, endure the present with cheerfulness, and await the future with patience,”—let this be our new-year creed.