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Heart to Heart

    by Pat Chwialkowski

Happy New Year
Date Posted: December 30, 2009

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

The popular New Year's Eve tune "Auld Lang Syne" is a song that has its roots in Scotland during the 18th century. The lyrics as we know them were written as a poem in 1788 by Robert Burns. I’m sure when Mr. Burns was writing the words to his poem he had no idea that he was writing the lyrics to one of the most popular songs ever recorded. He would probably be astounded to know that centuries later, this song is still sung by million of people around the world each New Years Eve. However, I am a little confused by the lyrics: Should old acquaintances be forgotten and never brought to mind? Thank goodness Mr. Burns does not leave us hanging but instead suggests: We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

“Auld lang syne” translated to the English language means “old long since” or “times long past”. So Auld Lang Syne is a very sentimental song reminiscing about times past. No wonder it’s the number one song choice for people to sing at midnight each January 1st as they wish “Happy New Year” to all their loved ones and friends.

As I take this opportunity to send my greetings to you, let me explain the kind of Happy New Year that I wish for you: I hope that you can have peace…even if you have to go through a storm. I trust that you will always be able to see the good…even when the bad seems to be around. I hope that you can laugh a lot…in spite of the days that only the tears will come. And I pray that you can find joy…even in the midst of some pain.

Maybe you think that my wish list is too big. Or maybe you think that I am just a dreamer and I should come back to reality. Or worse yet, maybe you think I’m just saying these things to be nice and I don’t really mean it.

None of those things could be further from the truth. But I understand if you are thinking that way. I too thought those very same things, when someone wished that for my life in times long past. But now I have peace even when there’s a storm brewing in my life. And somehow when things in my life are meant for evil, good comes out of it. And I can honestly say, I laugh now more than I cry. But most of all, I sense the joy that floods my soul, despite of the pain that seems to never go away.

So if these things are possible for me, I know they are possible for you. Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26: With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Let this New Year be full of possibilities. But as Jesus reminded us--you must look to God and not to man for this to happen. And next year when you are singing Auld Lang Syne, may you be able to remember your times long past, as happy times. And I hope you are able to say with confidence…2010 definitely was a Happy New Year!

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.

But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so

wondrously reached out for me.

Friends, don’t get me wrong; By no means do I count myself

an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal,

where God is beckoning us onward-to Jesus.

I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

(Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-14 MSG)

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Biography Information:

Founder and Director of Key Ministries located in Lexington South Carolina.  You can reach us at keyministries@yahoo.com.  .

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