Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January
At last, here's January. It's my favorite month. Why?
January is talented; it looks forward while also looking backward. In the cold light of First Month, we can see things better: what's past is over, what's ahead is blank. In January, we get to feel more confident of that.
Other months have a way of muddling things and missing the point. Which point? "Choice." In January, we're more likely to choose what we'll start now for accomplishment in the coming year. Here are some fresh examples:
Today is the first full day of my friend's return home after her latest bout with alcohol and depression. As she made her way to her car, the sun shone brighter, her step was livelier and her smile was wider. It was easy to think things will be better for her in the coming months.
In another January success, the dead, brown stalks of November chrysanthemums are giving way to green leaves and tiny shoots that want to be full grown someday. I shall try to help them stick to their plan.
Even the two tall hibiscus trees that are wintering in the garage are on their way to showing off again. One of them has a topknot blossom that bloomed in the dead of dark; I spotted it today while putting away strings of multi-colored lights and other reminders of Christmas past. Another January satisfaction.
Finally (even if we admit to no "finally's"), there's this: January 20, 2009 presents the start of Something Big we Americans have been building toward since January 1960, when JFK was inaugurated: a clear break with the past and a chance, albeit challenging, of a better future with a smarter, more youthful president. It means the pain of birth and hope of rebirth simultaneously.
Okay, January, 2009. Let's get at it!
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2 comments:
2008 was such a horrible year on so many levels...just as Bush's administration has been for 8 painfully long years... I am very happy to say goodbye and good riddance to both. I have become so cynical that I have almost no energy left with which to muster up a tad of optimism for what will take place on January 20th, but I do have plans to pray for God's grace and blessing for America as I watch B.O. take the Oath of Office.
Yay, finally an updated blog from Miss Nancy! Interesting take on January. I think only someone in the Deep South could rejoice in seeing new green plant shoots now.... the rest of us poor slobs here in the colder botanic zones count ourselves lucky when the weatherman forecasts the dreaded "wintry mix" but we get only high winds and several days of cold rain..... Ah yes, January ain't pretty in my book!
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