Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what does 2022 have in store for all?

Tell me now, my crystal ball, will 2022 be a happy year for all?

Such nonsense queries are a bunch of hocus-pocus!

Let’s be real!

Only God knows what the future holds, which includes the next moment. We are tasked just to stay abreast of the present and the happenings within our sphere of control.

Neither magic mirrors, crystal balls, nor tarot cards can tell or show us the imponderables of tomorrow. But the lack of foresight doesn’t stop us from making hopeful declarations to be and do better in 2022. In other words, it’s OK to be proactive and have a game plan even though life happens and plans change.

Resolutions will resonate and resound on social media, blogs, journals, and vision boards on New Year’s Day. The new year is sort of a clean slate to begin anew. And it’s wonderful to have a positive, optimistic outlook about the future.

HERE ARE A FEW FAMILIAR OUTLOOKS FOR 2022.

Some of us see the new year as a new beginning. We thank God for the good in 2021 and lay to rest the ghosts and disappointments.

The new year may be a new lease on life. We know that lessons learned, and mercies received in 2021 make us stronger with new vigor and appreciation for life.

Yes, twenty-twenty-two can be a perfect time to turn over a new leaf or page. Everyone has room for self-improvement, which includes being kinder and more considerate of others in 2022.

There’s a purpose for every season lived. Our years lived increase our numerical age and fulfill our earthly purpose, which produces meaningful stories. We tell our stories which family members retell.

My twenty-twenty-two story will be a new story complete with chapters that only I can live and write.

We should all be hopeful for a great ‘to live for’ 2022 story.

But first, let’s bring in the new year, right!

As teenagers, we were elated to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. The smiles, hugs, kisses, and the words, “HAPPY NEW YEAR,” were heartfelt and gleeful.

Celebrating the new year is a family affair that never grows old. This year, we plan to watch the hoop-la and the Times Square ball drop on New Year’s Eve, as we have done so many times.

But I’m not forgetting that Covid-19 will be ringing in the new year too and we have to be careful when gathering. .

No doubt, on that faithful New Year’s Day, many seated at the dinner table will say, “Pass the peas, please.” The dried or frozen black-eyed peas will be in pots on stoves across America. And did you know our ancestors ate black-eyed peas? Historians believe black-eyed peas were domesticated in West Africa.

Cooking black-eyed peas along with collard greens and other stables are a Southern tradition. Add rice and bacon to the peas, and you have a very popular dish called hoppin’ John.

I don’t know why the dish is called hoppin’ John as opposed to crawling, walking, running, or flying John. But eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is supposed to bring good luck—if you believe in superstition.

I don’t believe in luck. Every day is a new day with new mercies from God.

Twenty-twenty-two is at the corner of December 31 and only a few days away.

We’re grateful for God’s mercies in the years past, today, and tomorrow.

Have a blessed and Happy New Year!

Stay safe.