Firesides or Fireballs

Here we are at another Hogmanay, as they call it in Scotland. The end of one year, on the threshold of another, with all its promise. 

It’s been a busy year in the Morrison clan and we are all feeling a bit weary. I’m writing this by a fireside, watching the flickering flames and enjoying some real old-fashioned vinyl records on the record player. 

We walked Dusty round Scolty Hill this morning. It was pleasantly mild, the gale force winds from earlier having died away. A good way to bid adieu to the year.

What I crave is a few hours contemplation, looking back, looking forward. Like the old Roman god Janus (from whose name we get the name of the first month of the year). God bids us to remember what he’s done in our lives, which fuels our hopes and plans for the future.

I am tempted to see the new year in beside this crackling fire, but the others are thinking of heading to Stonehaven to the ancient Viking fireball ceremony. It is supposed to be a dramatic way of seeing out the old and welcoming in the new year, and with its inherent dangers it may soon be relegated to history as health and safety issues intervene.

So, what does 2013 hold for us all? Firesides or fireballs? 

Probably a bit of each. God bless you in 2013.