Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? 
Should old acquaintance be forgot, in days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne. 

Christmas and New Year’s time is often thought of as a time to visit with family and friends and reflect on how lucky we are to have, not only our personal families, but also our church family with which to share this special time of year. But in Maine, this season of warmth and joy is followed by the cold of January. Auld Lang Syne, originally written as a poem by Robert Burns, is a secular song often associated with this time of year.  This poem encourages us to remember the people who came into our lives not just in the last year, but also in the many years past. 

But, my question to you (to us) is this; why wait until January to remember those people who have come into our lives and enriched us? I would like to encourage you to drop a note, send an email or pick up the phone and call those who mean so much to you.   As the old commercial sang, “reach out, reach out and touch someone.”  

As we begin this new year together, let me start by telling each and every one of you that I hold you all close to my heart and am warmed daily through your thoughts and prayers for both me and my family.  Thank you and I wish you the warmest of New Years. 

With my love and prayers,

Bethany Kirkpatrick