A Quiet New Year 2025 Morning: Reflections on Grace and Gratitude...

Dear Readers,

The morning began quietly, as most mornings tend to. Unlike the grand revelry that accompanies the changing of the calendar for so many others, today was just another peaceful, normal day for me a New Year’s Day that blended seamlessly into the rhythm of life.

I woke up early, the chill of January making me grateful for the warmth of my blanket. For a moment, I lay there, on my beautiful lovely sofa recliner, letting my thoughts wander. This day marked the beginning of a new year, but it felt no different from yesterday. And yet, there was a certain quiet beauty in that ordinariness.

As the day began, I decided to start it with purpose. A hot bath was the first order of business, the steam rising like a gentle blessing as I freshened up. There’s something about that ritual water washing over you, cleansing not just the body but the mind that feels symbolic of new beginnings. I stepped out, feeling lighter, almost rejuvenated.

The next stop was Mass. I grabbed my walking stick, which has become a companion of sorts these days. I chuckled to myself as I caught my reflection in the mirror. The beard was now sprinkled with gray and the walking stick made me look older than I felt. “Hehe he, oh my I’m getting old, aren’t I?” looking into the mirror before I left for church, I muttered with a grin, but there was no bitterness in the thought. It’s life, and life goes on.

At Mass, the pews were filled with familiar faces. There was a calmness in the air, a sense of collective hope as we prayed together. I closed my eyes, whispering a prayer of thanks to God. For this day, for the year gone by, for the lessons learned, and for the grace that carried me through it all. There’s a comfort in knowing that God is always with me, especially on days when life feels heavy. Today, I felt His presence keenly, as if He was sitting right beside me, smiling.

Returning home, I decided to take a walk or as I jokingly call it, “walky-walky.” The walking stick tapped rhythmically against the ground, a steady companion on my journey. The air was crisp, the streets quieter than usual, as if the world was still waking up after a late-night celebration. It was during these solitary walks that I often found clarity, and today was no exception. I thought about the year ahead, the promises I’d make to myself, and the small joys I hoped to find in each day.

Later in the day, my phone buzzed with the first call. It was a close friend, calling about his Google Chromecast. We chuckled over the small tech troubles that always seem to arise at the most inconvenient times. It was a light-hearted conversation, one that reminded me of the importance of these little connections.

Not long after, another call came through. This time, it was Father Malcolm. His warm voice carried the heartfelt New Year’s wishes I didn’t know I needed. We spoke briefly, exchanging blessings and kind words. But to be honest, he was my guardian angel. It struck me how even the simplest gestures a call, a kind word could bring so much comfort.

The rest of the day was quieter. No more calls, except for the flood of New Year’s wishes from my Substack and Instagram family. These virtual connections, though distant, felt genuine and warm. They reminded me that while I’ve stepped away from platforms like WhatsApp, the bonds that matter find their way to endure.

Of course, I didn’t forget my cigarettes and my trusty little Nokia 3310. They’ve become part of my daily rhythm, small constants in an ever-changing world. That old Nokia, with its sturdy design and familiar simplicity, always feels like a reliable companion, much like the walking stick.

As the evening approached, I found myself reflecting on the beauty of the day. It wasn’t filled with grand celebrations or dramatic events. It was quiet, introspective, and peaceful a day that felt like a gift. And perhaps that’s what made it so special. Life isn’t always about the big moments. Sometimes, it’s in the small, unassuming days that we find the deepest gratitude.

The most beautiful part of today was the unshakable feeling that God was with me. He always is, but on days like this, His presence feels even more tangible. I thanked Him for His guidance, for the strength to carry on, and for the grace that sees me through each day. Life isn’t always easy, but with God, it’s bearable. More than bearable it’s beautiful.

As I sat down to write these thoughts, I realized how grateful I am for this quiet life, for the people who remember me, for the strength to walk another day beard, walking stick, and all. Here’s to another year, another journey, and another chance to walk with God by my side. Happy New Year to all who walk this path with me, near and far. Thank you, God, for this day, for this life, and for this quiet, wonderful start to the year.

God Bless Us All…

Jacob M