We are starting the second quarter of a century. It does not seem very long ago that we just brought in New Year 2000.
Some Christian believers were convinced that was the year Jesus was going to return. In fact, I think some pinpointed it to a certain time. All they had to do was read the Bible and it says no one knows the day or hour.
What are your hopes and plans for the new year? I was talking to a feedlot owner and manager and we both agreed that neither of us thought 2026 can be as profitable as 2025. I’m hardly ever a pessimist, but I never thought it was possible to hit the levels that we have and the problem is now that it seems the norm.
What are my plans? Well, I can tell you retirement is definitely not in my plans. I hope not—ever.
What are my hopes? I have a nephew fighting cancer and I hope he is completely healed and can raise his three kids. I hope all my family and friends are up in heaven. I don’t care to be filthy rich. God has already blessed me more than he should have. Like the song “Humble and Kind” says when you get to that point look behind you and help the next one in line.
I go to the Lexington prison once a month as a volunteer. The prison has to have a volunteer to be able to have a church service. Each month a different prisoner preaches. The prisoners get to have a five- or six-piece band.
These prisoners have little or no money. When they work they get paid 50 cents per hour. But these prisoners donate often, only a few dollars, but according to what they have it is a lot. Then we pick out a needy family in the community to buy their kids a Christmas gift.
It definitely shows you not all prisoners are bad. Often some have made a 15-second decision that has completely changed their life. A few of these prisoners said going to prison was the best thing that ever happened to them as they became a Christian.
I heard one radio station say if you can’t a find a friend then be one.
When is the last time you made someone’s day? When is the last time you made someone smile? When is the last time you forgave someone you said you never would?
Let’s have a great 2026!
Editor’s note: The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not represent the view of High Plains Journal. Jerry Nine, Woodward, Oklahoma, is a lifetime cattleman who grew up on his family’s ranch near Slapout, Oklahoma.
