- It is a question traditionally asked this time of season:
"What will the coming year contain for mankind?"
-
- Despite the oppressive crush of cynicism from people
who habitually see life's glass as being half empty, I will take this opportunity
to stand as a defender, a guide, a literary harbinger who maintains trust
in an enduring crusade to subdue such lamentable assaults on humanity.
In turn I hope to alert you, the dear reader, as to what will be.
-
- In 2005, I predict endless summer days set against buttery
afternoon skies that will warm memories of 'the way things used to be.'
From those memories will spring stories passed to children that will build
bridges to a simpler place in time. The stories will be told below cotton
clouds lazily drifting by wondrous young eyes interpreting their form while
innocent ears yearn to hear more. Have you forgotten the stories, the wonder,
that simpler place, that time? Even the hardest of hearts must relinquish
their hold of hate in the face of such a noble undertaking.
-
- As it has done for millennium, rain will fall this year
in Pleasantville, and her soft showers will heal emotionally desiccated
souls like the waters of Lourdes. I predict smiling, old eyes will watch
young feet splash in puddles while the air fills with infinite youthful
laughter. Can you still laugh until your sides hurt, cheeks ache, tears
fill your eyes? I predict many will rediscover such joy this year.
-
- I predict a divorced couple will reestablish their relationship,
and ultimately their vows, by letting forgiveness take priority over blame,
and love over hurt. I predict they will unfailingly go on to help others
do the same.
-
- I predict a single adult will weep over the loss of a
dear pet while wondering if they will ever find such unconditional love
in a spouse. I predict their broken heart will be made whole by just such
a benedict.
-
- I predict a seeming monster searching through inky darkness
will snatch a frightened child from a closet to its chest then return it
safely to its mother outside a burning home - I predict that teary-eyed
firefighter will hug his children and wife, a little longer, a little stronger,
that night.
-
- I predict a police officer will give money to a runaway
and share his youthful story with such compelling sincerity the troubled
youngster will return home to finish school and establish a job in law
enforcement.
-
- I predict a young boy will run into his home and exclaim:
"I got a touchdown!"
-
- I predict many soldiers will lower their unfired weapons
from enemy targets thinking only God and they will know.
-
- I predict many old couples will be reunited, not by death
but through the promise of eternal life.
-
- As they have done for years, I predict retired teachers
will stare wistfully at yearbooks wondering how their precious young charges
have made out in life.
-
- I predict a successful businessman visiting an old-age
home will comment to a nurse, "It's okay, I'll comfort her, she was
my grade school teacher." I predict this comment will ignite a spark
causing students to visit past teachers who selflessly helped them on their
way - if for nothing more than to say, "Thank you."
-
- Yes, this year will be much the same as last: Birds will
still trumpet spring, maple sap will be boiled to syrup, love will make
hearts sing, and that thread of humanity which binds all of us will be
strengthened through love and our understanding of how important we are
to one another.
|
