MORAL OF THE STORY:

“It’s only when you live above your circumstances, by changing the focus of your life, that serenity and joy come to you. You see, my friend, when you concentrate on who God is by knowing Him personally, then you will understand His peace and security. He doesn’t always change your situation; what He does is give you new strength and hope so you can face those circumstances and keep on going.”

— Susan Miller

I struggled with the greeting, and I struggled with my response. If I want to be honest with myself and with others, then what should I say? What do I feel? What do I really believe? What do I know? Better yet, whom do I know?

I know God, and I am getting to know Him better. Every day I am amazed by how real and how loving He is.

I am also amazed by how creatively and consistently God gives me what I need, when I need it. He was there for me in every way that I needed Him last year, and I know that He will be there with me in this new year. This New Year. And that is the greeting and response that I struggled with over the holidays.

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, people everywhere shot streamers, hugged hugs, smacked kisses and exchanged the phrase “Happy New Year.” It’s a great greeting; it just didn’t reflect my heart. I finally realized the greeting of my heart when e-mailing our son-in-law, Tyson, who was married to our daughter Amy who died in a car accident last June.

Since “happy” isn’t a big word in our lives I decided instead to wish him a “Hopeful New Year” because we have a God of Hope, healing, joy and so much more. When I wrote those words, my heart heaved a sigh of relief, because of God’s realness. I share that greeting with you today — a greeting that can be true for our hearts every day — I wish for you a Hopeful New Year.

And you can quote me on that.

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached at [email protected] or 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.