Today's Beautiful Gem

Today's Beautiful Gem: "Another Year Is Dawning..." by Frances Havergal.

In the southern part of India, the official new year's day is celebrated
in an interesting manner. In many Hindu temples, a festival called `paDi
utsava' is performed. The origin of this is indeed somewhat peculiar. While
the British were ruling India, many Indians used to visit their masters' abodes
and offer them gifts on Jan 1. The masters are gone. In a democratic set-up,
such a custom is an anachronism. It was replaced with the 'paDi utsava'.
Instead of showering the rulers with presents, gifts are offered at the
feet of the Great Master. The word `paDi' means a measure. Measures of
rice and other gifts are offered to God on Januray 1. Thus new year becomes
a day for renewing our offerings to Him and His blessings to us. These
thoughts are beautifully expressed in the following poem.

"Another year is dawning!
In working or in waiting,
Another year in leaning,
Of ever-deepening trustfulness,

"Another year of mercies,
Another year of gladness,
Another year of progress,
Another year of proving

"Another year of service,
Another year of training
Another year is dawning!
On earth, or else in heaven,

Dear Master, let it be,
Another year with Thee.
Upon Thy loving breast,
Of quiet happy rest.

Of faithfulness and grace;
In the shining of Thy face.
Another year of praise;
Thy presence `all the days.'

Of witness for Thy love;
For holier works above.
Dear Master, let it be
Another year for Thee!"

Om shaantiH Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao.

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