God’s gift of the old year departed,
Is replaced by His grant of the new.
It is time now to pause and to ponder,
What thanks to our God are now due.
He has given this time for rich blessings,
Not to use just for personal gain.
He desires lives devoted to service,
Without spot or a wrinkle or stain.
Let us fill the white pages unmarked yet
With records of time wisely spent.
Scatt’ring courage and hope and bright gladness
With the talents to us He has lent.
– Fred Wright, 1980
