A New Year Prayer

"So what are you upto on new years eve?"

This is the question I have been asked countless number of times in the past couple of days. 'Nothing' I reply back and the questioner seems surprised by the answer. Why, is it necessary to go party hopping on new years eve? Cant one just sit at home and be happy watching the new year special programs on the cable; maybe order a take-out and a movie to go with it?

Well, thats just what I have been quite happily doing every new years eve I remember. It was one of those things my dad stuck to over the years and even now we all follow the same routine. He is always content to watch his family together in one place and all in one piece, safe and sound and say a silent prayer that it remains so for the entire year and every year to follow. Anyways, I never felt I was missing out anything as the enitire year is filled with festivals and occassions to party and make merry about.
So thats hows I'm starting my new year :-) !! On a peaceful note, with a small request to God to keep everyone healthy and hearty all year throughout and make the world a nice place to live in.

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!