As we embark on a new year I want to share with you an ancient reading from the Sanscrit  poet Kalidasa which is found in our hymnbook (#419). I have memorized it and often say it to myself during my morning walk.

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty;
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.     Kalidasa

After repeating the poem, I ask myself about my growing edges for the coming day, what actions I might take, and how I might make time for the experience of beauty in all of its manifestations. I must say that the process of growth is not always blissful, but growth achieved is.

Each year comes to us day by day. I find it helpful to remind myself of this.