It’s “that time” again . . .

Today is January 1, 2025.

Yesterday, a friend asked if I planned to welcome in the new year. “Of course,” I replied, “I always do. There’s something special about that first minute (that ‘Number One’), of a brand new year.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “It’s magical!”

Magical . . . such a beautiful word!  Especially when we think of it as: being mysteriously impressive or enchanting. This definition truly describes that first minute of the first hour, of the first day of a brand new year!

Here in Dover we had lots of thunder booming in the skies around the midnight hour, due to a group of severe thunderstorms passing through. But still, I listened for the boom of firecrackers that I so often hear at this time, as others celebrate and welcome in the new year—and “Number One.” And, I wasn’t disappointed.

“Number One.”  Those words carry a badge of honor; they imply success, leadership, but also, that there’s more to follow. And with each new year, we think of all those minutes, hours, days, weeks and months ahead, that are to follow. All full of mystery—we don’t know what they hold for us. But, enchantingly, they abound with promise.

We all have our hopes and dreams, and magically, a new year is, perhaps, an open door for fulfillment of those hopes and dreams. An opportunity for . . . getting that degree . . .  shedding those extra pounds . . . getting that new car . . . making those needed home improvements, and on and on.

My prayer for each of you: May the magic of that first minute of 2025 hold, and may 2025 bring good health and happiness all year through.

Grace and peace to you,

Mary Emma