Dark and speckled with stars. Brimming with fireworks. Outlined by sparklers that illuminate grinning faces.
This is the sky I would like to see.
Instead, the rain draws imperfect lines down the street, colours bleeding into the drops. They slip down the road and they slip along the roof and they slip into the gutters, pooling at one end until the gutters can’t hold them any longer.
Explosions of red and gold and green are reflected in each droplet. It isn’t the starry sky I had hoped for. But it is still good.
Out with the old and in with the new. A common saying said at this time of year. But my memories will always join me in the step from now to then. They hold my hand as I gaze into the future. They hold their breath as I do. They watch for the invisible new memories that are yet to be formed. And those memories wait in the breathless gap between this year and the next.
Some memories will always stay in that breathless gap. Some will always stay a step ahead of you. Some, always a step behind. Some, all three.
As much as this year may have been tainted by raindrops, colour bleeding and slipping off the edge of the day, each droplet reflected a glimmer of light. And as the fireworks explode tonight, and the sparklers illuminate grinning faces, let that be a reminder to look ahead with your head held high.
There is more light to come. And those memories will be with you every step of the way, watching with anticipation as you discover more of them.
This is my prayer for you. May you take each step in the light. May you take each breath in the hope of glory. And may you illuminate other faces with yours.
Have a very happy new year.