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From the third volume of Francis J. Grimké’s Works (pp. 383-386, 603), we have extracted a few thoughts suitable to the close of one year and the beginning of another. Consider these words penned close to 90 years ago.
This is the first day of the new year 1930. God in his kind providence has spared me to see it. And, while I am not strong in body, yet I have much to be thankful for, — kind friends, and sufficient of this world's goods to meet all my physical needs. Above all these mere creature comforts, I am able to read the Word of God, and to have communion, fellowship with him through prayer each day: and also the sweet consciousness of the fact that I am ever under the care and keeping of One who is abundantly able to care for me. On this, the first day of the year, out of a sense of gratitude, I do here and now reconsecrate myself to his service and to the service of my fellow men. God helping me, I will endeavor to live right, and as one of his followers, to represent him more worthily before the world. I know how weak we are, but with help Divine, we can all be better than we are; can all do better than we do.
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It is a solemn thing to live! A solemn thing to live with the thought before us that we must one day face our record, — one day answer at the bar of God. It is with this thought that we ought to enter upon the New Year, and should resolve to live every moment of it so as to meet the approbation of God, to win from him the plaudit. Well done, good and faithful servant. If we carry this thought with us, and allow ourselves to be influenced by it, at the same time depending upon Divine help, we need have no fear as to the result. It will be a record that will be creditable to us. An earnest purpose to do right, steadily adhered to, is half the battle. Failure can come only from our neglect to avail ourselves of the help that is offered to us.
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Like every other year 1931 has had its joys and its sorrows, its ups and downs, its bright days and its dark days, but through it all, the guiding hand of one who never sleeps nor slumbers, whose thoughful, loving care for all his creatures, especially for those whose trust is in him, has been clearly discernible. We have not, it may be, during the year realized all of our hopes, but still we have so much to be thankful for. We cannot fail, if we have any sense of appreciation, to be deeply grateful to God for the way along which he has led us. May the New Year find us, not only with grateful hearts, but with the purpose and determination to serve him better than ever before, to be more faithful to the duties and responsibilities devolving upon us. If we fail, let it not be from carelessness or indifference or lack of effort on our part.
May these New Year’s thoughts of Rev. Grimké echo in our hearts and minds. From Log College Press, we wish each of you joy, peace and happiness — and God’s richest blessings — for a Happy New Year!
