prayer for a new year

I had planned to wax somewhat nostalgic on this first day of 2008 (as if I didn't yesterday!), until I received in an email this morning the Peace Prayer, below. What a beautiful sentiment with which to begin the new year. May this be a year of healing and peace for each of us, and for our world, as well.

The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace!

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, harmony.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sorrow, joy.

.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Happy New Year...

[y Feliz Ano Nuevo!]