Thoughts Along the Path . . .

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By the time this appears in the Ayr News, the local New Years Eve events will be long past. Much like the fireworks that ended the evening, there was a spark of energy and then quiet again. Or maybe not.

I’d prefer to think that an evening of celebration with friends and neighbours has lasting power. Hundreds of people were uplifted by the native dancers and then the vibration of the bagpipe accompanying the fireworks – the burst of energy, colour, motion, and sound – against the backdrop of gently falling snow. It was truly exhilarating!

My friend Ted has a great way of discussing fireworks. As he put it: “I love fireworks. They serve no practical purpose whatsoever.” Maybe that’s the key to why we enjoy fireworks. They may not be necessary, yet they offer so much. We delight in the bursts of colour and energy – they may even surprise us. We gaze at the sky and see beauty; we feel the vibration in the air; we can sense the surge of energy from the people near us. We laugh at ourselves for being startled, and we applaud in appreciation. Even as I write this, I realize I am smiling at the memory.

Reflecting on the fireworks has me thinking about Ayr200 and the energy it has already created. By the time we were enjoying the events that culminated in the fireworks, volunteers had spent countless hours planning it. I’m working on a service project for Ayr200 along with other local Baha’is. Many other groups and businesses are similarly involved in special gifts and events throughout this upcoming year. Some will be like fireworks, offering moments of delight with lingering memories; others will have a permanent presence. Taken collectively, we are entering a year of celebration and also appreciation for living in or near Ayr.

I’m not one to get sentimental about New Years Eve or for making resolutions. But I do feel the vibe (as the saying goes) of the year ahead. May it be a year of shared smiles, positive energy, bursts of delight, generosity, creativity, and gratitude.

Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer, January 2024