Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne

For auld lang syne my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Auld Lang Syne is one of the most recognizable songs in the world. It is sung at funerals, celebrations and as an announcement that closing time is approaching in Japanese department stores.

But I wonder if you were among the many who sang Auld Lang Syne and are still singing this heart filling song during this time of the New Year?

Credited to the Scottish poet Robert Burns, the words in the title of this are translated “time gone by” , “old times sake” , “for the sake of old times”.

In the movie When Harry Met Sally, Harry asks Sally, “What does auld lang syne mean, anyway?” And Sally responds, “It’s about old friends.”

Perhaps the invitation for this new year is to think in a new way about this calendar year. Let’s not make resolutions, let’s keep remembering the good in the world, in our lives, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our communities, in our country, for old friends.

Let’s drink a cup of kindness to:

• Our children
• Earth
• Immigrants and refugees
• Parents
• Politicians
• First responders
• Health care providers
• Teenagers
• Enemies
• Artists

You might just want to add to this possible list of kindness cups for auld lang syne.

Happy New Year – Let us be kind.

 

About the Author

Sister Carol Crepeau, CSJ ministers as a facilitator and leader of group dynamics for non-profits. Guiding the annual Congregation of St Joseph Pilgrimage to LePuy and Lyon, France is one of the most wonderful activities of her life. She also enjoys a good book and gathering with friends for prayer and conversation.