On the Other Side of Hogmanay

I certainly wasn't expecting it, but I had a marvelous and special New
Year's Eve. I had been invited over to a friend's house where he and
his expectant wife were hosting a party to welcome in the New Year.
He told me that it would be lovely to see me, but I could come and go
as I wished. I felt a strong tug at my heart to go, but I thought I would
go only for an hour or two. Finally the day came and I made my way
over slippery icy paths to Tom and Donna's house. I gave my gifts of
a drink and sweets to Tom, took off my heavy boots and warm cloth-
ing, put on my slippers, and waded out into where all the people were.
I saw a number of friends there, but it was the new people I met and
talked to during the course of the night that made this party special
and memorable. There was a sweet and wonderful atmosphere pre-
sent among us.

I had an early sense that an enchanting evening was underway. Peo-
ple came, and people left. Some stayed for several minutes or a few
hours; others, like me, stayed until early New Year's morning. It was
a rich banquet of food, drink, music, and talking. I am still savoring
the time over a week later. The food, desserts, and drinks kept flow-
ing throughout the night. Rory, a good friend of mine and a Church of
Scotland minister, played a stirring round of musical numbers on his
bagpipes. Later Tom serenaded us with his fiddle playing. Children of
all ages were playing outside in the snow and inside where it was warm.

As the night wore on, little ones were put to rest in a bedroom upstairs.
Since a large family from Sweden was with us, we counted down in
Swedish the final seconds to 11 PM so we could celebrate 'Swedish New
Year'! An hour later we counted down the final seconds to midnight and
celebrated the New Year by wishing each other a happy New Year, ex-
changing hugs and kisses, and finally gathering into a tight circle and
holding hands to sing several rousing rounds of Auld Lang Syne. It was
a touching moment for me, one that I will not soon forget, a precious
memory that I will treasure in my heart for a long time to come.

But the best part of the evening were the 'divine encounters' I had
with several people at the party, most of whom I hadn't met before.
There were long draughts of deep conversation as we shared from
our lives. There were some amazing people there. By midnight there
were only twelve or so of us left from the mob that had been there
over the course of the night. One couple and their small boy were re-
turning to Afghanistan in the next few days to continue their ministry
with people in Kabul. So as a group we prayed that the Lord's contin-
ued protection, provision, and presence would be upon them.

It was a special night of fun and fellowship. I saw old friends, and made
several new friends. It was a great way to end 2010 and begin 2011. It
made for a delightful time, one that I will savor for a long time to come.
And I also want to wish you a blessed and happy New Year!

Blessings to you and yours,