Another Year is Dawning

As I grow older I cannot help but reflect back on the past. (This is one of the signs that you are getting older because you keep on talking about the "good ole' days")  Of the many constants at New Year's (including Mrs. Kaan's chicken congee, a church prayer vigil and prayer meeting, and very cold weather) was the singing of one of the few and great hymns of consecration. Written by Frances Ridley Havergal, (1836–1879) in 1874, "Another Year is Dawning" is one of the finest New Year's hymns ever written (actually it is the only New Year's hymn that I know of). A reminder of what lies ahead and what I should expect of this coming new year.  May you find the same reflective meaning as I do in the words. The lyrics are as follows:

1. Another year is dawning;
Dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee;
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

2. Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.

3. Another year of service,
Of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year is dawning:
Dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee.