Time does not stand still for those who grieve. As the New Year approaches, we realize that life presses on whether we like it or not. When we grieve we’re not suddenly “new” just because December 31 turns into January 1. Yet amid the celebrations of life, there is room to grieve and grow. As we prepare to greet the New Year, we give thanks for the unfailing, steadfast love and faithfulness of God. We hope, “for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith” (1 John 5:4 NRSV). We trust that God has a perfect plan for our future. We dare to contemplate the endless possibilities of life when our grief one day turns to joy.