I often feel defeated by New Year greetings. Most years bring a mix of delights, surprises, challenges, losses and change. This year – wondering how to respond to greetings of ‘Happy New Year’! – I wrote this:
May you this year find rich soil to nourish you.
May the goodness in your roots make you outgrow your p(l)ot.
May you find your inner life as miraculous and generous as your outer one.
May you bud with newness, blossom abundantly, and bring joy to the world around you.
May you fruit with seeds to feed those who come to nest in your branches.
May you offer shelter to those who need refuge and a place to belong.
May you shed your leaves of loss and grief authentically in season, and have courage to stand stark and bright through lonely winter days.
And may you receive these gifts from the open hand of God the Gardener, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, and the Spirit who makes your branches dance in the wind.
With thanks to Anna Robinson, Dave Legumi and Lindsay Smith among many others who have taught me the solace and companionship of trees. And a shout out to Aoi on Unsplash for the image.