New beginnings promise hope
Bygones wayside lie
Start afresh, no looking back
No wond’ring how or why
Facing Forward, Day By Day
Not one sole day’s resolve,
But each and every day we strive
To see our goals evolve
Setbacks – falling short we find
His glory e’er ahead
Pressing on to win the race
Drink faith, eat steadfast bread
Looking back will only make
A pillar of salt from tears
Stay focused on the prize ahead
Although it taketh years
Death hath no vic’try, nor hath fear
When upward eyes stay trained
Upon the hopes and promises
Of life eternal gained
Death in summer, Christmas birth
Seems contrary to me
Yet God works it as He wills
To deepen faith, you see
Lost my mother mid-July
Took some time to grieve
Christmas prompts us to new life
A new year, new reprieve!
Loss is gain, why can’t we see?
To let go is to gain!
The paradox is paramount
To see joy come from pain
Happy New Year, Y’all!
Southern Sea Muse 
Beautiful post! Happy New Year to you, too!
Thank you, Ms. Kendall! Love your art 🙂
You are welcome and thank you!
Joy come from pain is what the Christian life is all about, with the example of our Lord, of course. I’m sorry for your loss, nonetheless.
So nice to see you again! May your 2018 be truly blessed, SSM! I hope you won’t be such a blog-world stranger.
Thank you dearly, Mrs. Betsy….it’s so nice to return to the blogosphere! Wishing you and your family bountiful blessings of love, wellness and peace through 2018.
~~ssm
Right back atcha! 🙂 ❤