Last year at this time I wrote:
A new year, a new decade, a new chance to reverse the obvious errors of the early years of this new century and new millennium. Here’s hoping for a greater clarity in our vision this year, for telling ourselves better stories, stories of hope and humility, of generosity and justice. And for a clear-eyed, unblinking view of reality going forward.
It didn’t quite turn out that way but my hopes aren’t dimmed. With a vaccine and a competent federal government to distribute it, there is real hope for a brighter future becoming reality in the new year.
Looking back over my years of new year’s posts I noticed that I have been here before. At the end of 2016, I wrote that it was “a horrible year for so many of us in so many ways. I don’t remember ever feeling such desperation to turn the page on a year.” As 2017 ended: “Not to put too much pressure on you, Baby New Year, but we need some help after that nasty old man who just shuffled out the door. ” And 2014 was “a strange, sad year, full of goodbyes.” But always there was hope for better days ahead.
It is always darkest just before the Day dawneth.
Thomas Fuller, 1650
What was true in 1650 is also true in 2020. Even in the darkest times there are reasons to hope. There were some good things in 2020, seeds planted in the dark with the knowledge that the light would come again. Two people who are very dear to me got engaged, providing a shot in the arm to my faith in the power of love. And speaking of shots in the arm, I hope everyone joins me in rolling up our sleeves in the new year to do our part to eradicate this hideous plague.
As always, to better days ahead…
Here's wishing you the bluest sky And hoping something better comes tomorrow Hoping all the verses rhyme And the very best of choruses, too Follow all the doubt and sadness I know that better things are on the way Here's hoping all the days ahead Won't be as bitter as the ones behind you Be an optimist instead And somehow happiness will find you Forget what happened yesterday I know that better things are on the way It's really good to see you rocking out And having fun Living like you've just begun Accept your life and what it brings I hope tomorrow you'll find better things I know tomorrow you'll find better things Here's wishing you the bluest sky And hoping something better comes tomorrow Hoping all the verses rhyme And the very best of choruses, too Follow all the doubt and sadness I know that better things are on the way I know you've got a lot of good things happening up ahead The past is gone, it's all been said So here's to what the future brings I know tomorrow you'll find better things
Words & Music by Mike Power 