New Year's Thoughts from 1905

I just finished re-reading the 1904-1905 journals of my mother's father's mother's mother which I typed into a digital version years ago. 

Yes, that means these are the words of my great-great-grandmother! And since it was written in Norwegian [albeit while living in rural, midwestern USA], her daughter later translated the writing into English.

What perfect timing to come across the following entries of a New Year's 119 years ago!

Keep in mind that Great-Great-Grandma Johanna was widowed just 2 years prior and had 13 living children, ages 5 through 27. Nine of the youngest were still at home on the farm most of the time, and 1904 was very difficult in many ways. Yet Johanna knew where to find Hope! As she wrote:

"Dec. 31st - Nice and mild weather. All have been busy. [Then follows an explanation of who drove the horses in to meet an older son and wife at the train depot plus others coming for visits... all ending up at the Christmas program with tree and gifts at the Norwegian church.] 

"This is the last day of 1904. God grant grace to leave our old sinful habits. He assured us that our sins are forgiven for Jesus sake, so we may enter the New Year with peace and joy in our hearts.

"1905: Jan. 1 - Sunday. [After description of walking to church and prayer for as good a pastor to replace the beloved one who was resigning...] 

"God grant that the New Year may give:
Less of grief and sorrow.
Less of gnawing loneliness and need.
Less smarting blows and strikes,
Less of roughness and deceit.
Less of anguished sighs and cries.
Less of anger, revenge and hate.
Less of empty cupboards and dishes.
Less of slavery and tyranny than the year that now is past.

"God grant that this new year may give:
More of the spirits of springtime,
More of good fortune for women and men in their homes and huts by mountain or shores,
More of truth and honesty,
More of brotherhood and peace of heart.
More of concern for righteousness.
More powerful forward drive.
More of that which lifts our spirits.
More of that which strengthens our hand.
More of that which makes us free,
than the year that now is past."

• Johanna T.

[Footnote by my great-grandmother: "A very poor translation. It is beautiful in Norwegian."]

What is your prayer for this new year of 2024?

~ Hannah