And so the year is almost past

And so the year is almost past
Still before we have seen its last
May we reflect awhile
On that which we remember
That for which we regret
And that for which we are thankful

So often the year begins rather slow
As our thoughts which feel rather low
All we had hoped for and already
We wish this year would just go

Oh, think we
That we could just watch the time go
And never have to think so
To watch it from a distance
Seems little work at all
But would it truly be worthwhile
If lived from such a view
I think it would not do

How quickly and easily we forget
We fight for all that pleases
For the moment
And then when the dust clears
And we see what all our
Energy and sweat has brought
It is all forgot

Such a waste we make
When we live in haste
We think little of our life
Much less the rest
With whom we share it

Are we so cold
So selfish
We cannot share such a moment
Can we not embrace
Indulge another
With love and grace
Is it so much to ask

I pray that each day
Somehow
We may love each one
Not as they ought
But as He would have us
To love
For truly His was the greatest gift
To give all for those
Who cared so very little for Him
Too comfortable were they
In their lives of sin

They would rather a thing
To call their god
Than He who created such
a thing
For all the world
He gave everything
Still they are too much overcome
With what they can get
That they forget
The meaning of life
All their fears and strife
For what are they worth
When all return
To the earth

Still His light shines
Though dim to some
It remains
Until the last stroke
Of time
Till then there's hope
It cries out
In the streets
On every corner
To them who would listen

I am here
Do not fear
I've come to give you life
I bring hope to them that have none
And peace to those who long for such
Release from all strife
And terrors of night
I have conquered all
That you may
So live such a life
Of meaning and purpose
Oh do not teary long
I will not always be
As you now see me

One day
When we are face to face
Either you shall find such
Sweet and heavenly grace
Or you will find the terror
That will never leave
This place

Oh, do not teary
This life is short
Do not make such sport of it
May you benefit
From such wisdom as I give
Listen and give ear to me
That you may find
Eternity
And be free indeed

So as you look back
On this year that is past
May you look forward
To the joy that will last
That has come from ages past
And into all eternity
He will come
With strength and power and might
How glorious is the sight
Of the King of Kings
Who salvation brings
To them who believe
Who deny all others
And follow

Each day is worthwhile
When lived for such a reason
Each season
Whether sparse or rich
Has its worth
When it is bound
In Him
Who can save
All
From their
Sin

May this be
Your resolve
Your resolution
For the year ahead
To seek after
Him who came
To give life
And such a life
Of abundance
Tis the very air
Of which we breathe
So very sweet
Which is breathed
In the hope to share
The love of Him
Who did bear it all
For both weak and small
That they may find life
In Him
And so too
Be saved
From sin

So may our purpose be
As we
Look to the year ahead
May it be fed
On His word
Enriched
In His spirit
Which breathes
Life into
Each soul
That rests on Him
That seeks after
Him who
Knew no sin
To become
Our righteousness

-Joshua Lee Foist