One of my favorite poems: “Gate of the Year”, by Minnie Louise Haskins
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.
God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.
Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill.[3]
(The Gate of the Year was first published in 1908 as part of a collection titled The Desert. The words were a source of inspiration and comfort to Queen Elizabeth II, particularly after World War II. The Gate of the Year is also engraved on stone plaques and fixed to the gates of the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.)
Wishing you a beautiful year of joy, health and blessing.
XOXO,
Nancy says
Thank you for that. Happy New Year Allie
Allie says
Thanks so much Nancy, all the best to you and yours in 2019!
Buffy says
Happy New Year, cousin. Lovely poem filled with truth. XO
Allie says
Thank you cousin, wishing you and Mark all the best in the new year. Love you.
Barbara Child says
What a beautiful thought to remind us of at the beginning of a New Year! “God knows. His will is best!”
Allie says
Thank you Barbara! xo
Tee says
BEAUTIFUL!!! So be it!
Allie says
Tee, THANK YOU!!! Yes, so be it!!! Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year.
Judith Ryder says
What a perfect way to start a new year: considering the timeless truths in this beautiful piece. Love it…and you. XOXO
Allie says
You too Mama!
Susie Mandel says
Beautiful. Thank you, Allie. xoxo
Sue says
Allie, this is exquisite. Such a timely message.
Allie says
Many thanks Sue! xo
Jon Taylor says
Beautiful, baby, and profound.
Thanks for sharing.
Love you.
Linda Jenkins says
I love this simple yet powerful expression of faith. Linda
Allie says
Thank you Linda! Happy New Year my friend.
Penny Davies says
What a beautiful poem Allie! A lovely way to start the year off on a great note.