At this time of year, I’m happy to join the throng of 1palindrome-named people—those whose names can be read backwards and forwards—carrying out our special responsibility to examine both the previous and coming years with discernment. (Ada, Reinier, Eve, Otto, Anna, Aoloa, Elle, Nolon—you know what I’m talking about, right?)
These first days of a new year are the time when 2Janus-like personages come out of hiding. Our civic and spiritual duties pop into place again: To remind the rest of society that none of us is a god-come-to-Earth. With level-headed memories of our life sagas in mind, we can refer others to that important tenet of the faith. Our spiritual radar can point to the One who always deserves to be deified. Whether at the noon of our lives or later, we can be glad that we are bound, heart and soul to what the Triune God has offered us in love.
What will come in the months ahead remains part of God’s loving providence. We can be assured that God, like a dad or mom, is looking both ways on our behalf, helping us to be careful-before-crossing, and then staying alongside of us into our continuing life journeys.
At the start of this New Year, we palindrome people are happy to remind you of these most basic truths that we hope will carry you into the days ahead with assurance that you are on the right path for the coming year.
And having accomplished that deed, we will retire into the background again.
You’re welcome….
1From the Greek, palindromes, “running back again.” In ancient times, associated with the backward movement of crabs. There must be a lesson in that, right?
2 Janus, the mythological Roman god alleged to be the namesake for the month of January, was portrayed as an older person looking both backward and forward at the same time. Janus was responsible for beginnings and endings. Doorways, too! Another metaphor-to-be-unpacked?
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