The sky erupted with fireworks

The celebrations shouts rent the air

Cars drove by with horns blaring

The people hugged and danced

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Everyone celebrated

Everyone cheered

People called their loved ones

Community erupted in moments

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My body was there

My mind  wasn’t

My heart was conflicted

My soul was unsettled

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Not everyone was happy

Not everyone was rejoicing

Not everyone was with the beloved

Not everyone was vibrant

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Some families were in mourning

Some were reminiscing

Some were alone and lonely

Some were counting coins

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I know we all aren’t in the same space

I know we all don’t know everything

I know that we may not understand everything

I know that life is different

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But….

My heart asks

Can’t we close the divide?

Can’t we be more aware?

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I found that people I know went hungry

Yet I didn’t now

I found that they couldn’t travel to celebrate

Yet I didn’t know

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I met others who had a silent holiday

Just like we did

I met those who were alone

With no one around

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Is it possible to be more aware?

Is it possible to be more connected?

Is it possible to more in tune?

Is it possible to care more?

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I pray that this year is different

I pray that I hear God more

I pray that I know His voice

I pray that I obey faster

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I pray that He finds me in place

I pray He leads me to help His people

I pray that my destiny rises

I pray that I meet needs

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I pray that my life will be changed

I pray that my focus will be sharpened

I pray that my obedience be singular

I pray that my life will be His

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I pray that none I know will lack

I pray that none connected to me will fail

I pray that none in need will be denied

I pray that we will all arise

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I pray for a new beginning

A beginning designed in God’s heart

A beginning that is irreversible

A beginning deep enough to keep me steady