One Little Word 2025

 

Happy New Year! I am delighted to once again be joining other bloggers for Spiritual Journey Thursday. Today's journey is hosted by Margaret Simon, and we are writing about our One Little Word for 2025.

My word for 2024 was "seasons." I knew this past year would bring new life seasons for me, and I wanted to embrace them and fill them with joy even if they would be difficult. 

As I moved through nature's seasons, I also moved through life's seasons and came out a stronger person. Funny how God does seem to know what we need just when we need it.

Last year's journey brought me a greater sense of purpose and gratefulness. Watching my mom's decline with dementia made me realize the importance of capturing memories. Turning 60, I realized the importance of good health. And watching my daughter spread her wings and move into her own home made me realize the importance of my marriage. These three seasons became my cornerstone for my one little word for this year:  TODAY.

I am focused on today:  cherishing the days I still have left with my mom, focusing on better health, enjoying the time with just my husband and me (it's been 32 years since it has been just the two of us!) and leaning in to hear God's word a little clearer.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

One Little Word 2024: Spiritual Journey Thursday

I consider myself lucky to live in an area of our country where I get to experience the four seasons. Although I have my favorite seasons of the year, I am typically happy to move on to the next one and to the beauty that each one brings.

Seasons are a constant reminder of change. But sometimes I don't like change. I find comfort in the familiar. I know that we find rest in the winter, rebirth in the spring, growth in the summer, and transformation in the fall. There is comfort in that continuous cycle of seasons. 

In a few weeks, I will celebrate my 60th birthday and be gifted with a brand-new season. If I said I wasn't a little anxious about this one, I would be lying.

I am now one of the oldest teachers in my building, and I struggle with being labeled by students.

The word retirement has been coming up in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, and the question is being asked more and more. 

Just last week, we placed my mother in a memory care facility. This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

I feel like I am being bombarded with new seasons. 

I know that each new season brings many moments of joy: winter landscapes of frosted windows and snow-laden tree branches; flowers in pinks and purples popping up, and tree filled with new life buds; the orange glow of summer sunsets; and the warm palette of fall leaves. I find joy in each new day.

For this new year, I need to find the joy in my own seasons of life. The purpose of my life is changing just like the seasons do, yet I struggle to find comfort in them right now. 

I know I must embrace them with my whole heart because God tells us...

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

I am delighted to once again be joining other bloggers for Spiritual Journey Thursday. Today's journey is hosted by Margaret Simon.