The Tie That Binds Old Times Past

"Should old acquaintance be forgot something something la la mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot la la la la auld lang syne..." Maybe I should learn the lyrics to this song someday. The few occasions I've had to use it didn't really settle the words to this traditional Scottish tune in my mind. My growing up years rang in the new year holding hands in a very small church with a few other people singing a different song:

Blessed be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above

There were other verses, but that was as far as we ever got. I never knew about the others until looking this one up to make sure I had it right. Apparently I didn't know this one all that well either! Those other verses sounded good too. Common goals, sharing burdens, perfect love... all so much easier to sing about than to put into practice. It's a good thing Jesus is the tie that binds.
Last night Lucas had to work, so the boys and I rang in the new year with a quieter bell. We snuggled under a blanket on the couch, fireplace crackling away, reading stories and cracking jokes. "What did the windshield say to the bug?" I ask Seth. "Happy New Smear!" This brings major peals of laughter.
"Hey, Mom, I got one," He counters. (We are making these up as we go.) "What did the fist say to the mouth? Help yourself to the punch!" He's laughing so hard he can't breath. Okay. If these corny jokes seem this funny it's getting late. We settle down with a Bible story and songs. Micah's eyes droop. "Go ni-night, Mama?" Oh well. He gave it his best shot. Soon he's all tucked in and sawing logs. There is still a little while to go until 2012. Down to just one in his audience, my jokster decides he needs something else to laugh at. I agree to an episode of Life's Funniest Moments. Seth loves this special time with just Mom to himself. Me too. Guffaws turn to chuckles turn to an occasional giggle. This boy is fading fast as well. The phone rings and my hubby's sweet voice is the first I hear in this new year. After we hang up my mind runs back to all those years ago. I try to remember the blessing song. I don't quite have it, but it's close. How about Auld Lang Syne? No where near, but a few lines do stand out from the others. Someday, these precious moments will be our Auld Lang Syne, our old times past. They will never be forgotten, either. The Tie that binds us will make certain of that.
Happy New Year from the Greene family!