Every New Year’s Eve around the world, people sing the Scottish song Auld Lang Syne. Most do not know the words, they just muddle along (like me), some know the Scottish version, and a few know the English translation. I included the two versions below.
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Traditional Song |
Modern English Translation |
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Auld Lang Syne Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Chorus: We twa hae run about the braes, We twa hae paidl’t in the burn And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere, And surely ye’ll be your pint’ stoup, |
Times Gone By Should old acquaintances be forgotten, Chorus: We two have run about the hillsides We two have paddled (waded) in the stream And there is a hand, my trusty friend, And surely you will pay for your pint, |
Auld lang syne – what does it mean? I never really knew until recently. It’s about friends and remembering things past and present. New Years is about the future too and making friends and having things to remember again.
We all walked through the past year together. Some are glad it is behind and looking forward to better ahead. I wish and pray for that for everyone too. Looking back, there are things I wish I had the opportunity to do over again, but we all know that is not possible. I do not want to live with regret, however, I pray to learn from mistakes I made, friends I hurt or disappointed, things I should have done differently, and my list is quite long sometimes. I wish I had spent more time in prayer and trusting God more. I wish I had helped friends more and been kinder. Wish I made better work decisions and more. I will make New Year’s resolutions to do these things and pray I can do better as I walk into this New Year.
I take a cup of kindness for memories of old, but “I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3.14. I cannot change the past, but I hope I can change the future.
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