by Mattie Stepanek*
Let this truly be
The Celebration of
A New Year.....
Let us remember
The past, yet
Not dwell on it.
Let us fully use
The present, yet
Not waste it.
Let us live for
The future, yet
not count on it.
Let this truly be
The celebration of
A New Year,
As we remember
And appreciate
And live rejoicing
With each other.
* Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (July 17, 1990 – June 22, 2004), known as Mattie Stepanek, was an American poet, who had six books of
poetry and one book of essays all reach The New York Times bestsellers list. He became a peace advocate
and motivational speaker. He lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of peace, people with disabilities, and children with life-threatening conditions.
Mattie suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy that resulted
in his death a month before his 14th birthday. His sister and two brothers also died from the disease during
early childhood, and his mother has the adult form, diagnosed only after all four of her children were born.
Happy New Year Unity Friends,
To those who overcame and who moved forward with faith, a new name was given. It was the custom of ancient times that when a person was released from prison he would be given a new name. As we begin a
new year, it is time for us to release old bondage and to show up as a new person without limiting thoughts
about ourselves. No matter how secure we may feel, there is always some negative aspect of ourselves that
can be left behind and some affirming word that will guide us toward the happiness and contentment that we so often seek.
In January each year, we participate in The White Stone Ceremony. This ritual allows us an opportunity to make a choice regarding who we want
to be in the coming year. This ritual has a long-term and lasting impact on those who truly participate. We will take all possibilities and filter them down to just
one or two words, which we will write on a white stone. This stone is taken home where it will occupy a special place as a reminder every day to be that which Spirit is guiding us to be.
If this is the year for you to see yourself in a new light, to release self-deprecating thoughts and judgments, and to connect with your inner life guidance, you are
encouraged to join us on Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. at 1574 Franklin Street in Lewis Center.
