Looking Forward, Even Still

We have finally made it to December 2022 and I am counting down the days to 2023. Who is with me?

We can slow down enough to celebrate this Christmas, but I am truly looking forward to when this year is over. Ringing in a new year is exciting and hopeful, and can be bittersweet. For the past several years, I’ve started the new year with a word, a word I focus on in the new year. Words like intentional, obedience, bold, and minimalist have been my words of the new year. I have heard it takes about 21 days to create a habit, so I am getting a jump start on the new year by pumping the breaks, slowing down to embrace the word still and the vast meanings it brings.

Be Still

I sat with my daughter at her doctor’s appointment recently. While waiting for the pediatrician, we always play a game of I-Spy. It had been a while since she had to go for a visit. It had been a while since it was just the two of us, waiting, with nothing else going on, none of life’s distractions…just me and my four-year-old. I started noticing her speech has developed, her hair has gotten so long, her mannerisms have matured, and she was much taller and could get onto the exam table all by herself. On the drive home, I peered at her little face in the rear-view mirror; it too has matured. Her eyes, so full of wonder, were watching the raindrops trickle down the window. At that moment it occurred to me that I had not buckled her in her car seat. I believe it has been nearly a month since I buckled and unbuckled her. She is proud she can do it by herself. She is growing and it is happening right before my eyes. How was I just now noticing? I was just noticing because my mind was too hectic to keep up and I had been too busy to pay attention to those small details.

In 2023, I am embracing all that comes with being still, quiet, calm, and noticing the smallest of details in those around me — in nature and in life.

Even Still

Despite the whirlwind of experiences 2022 had in store for me — despite the trauma that could have easily hardened my heart, that could have very well been a year to destroy (as I fully believe the enemy intended) — this year restored my faith. Whatever we journey through in 2023, I know I’m a child of God, even still.

I will not lose hope, even still.

Emotional Stillness

It is no secret, this year I took a ride on an emotional roller coaster, and I have yet to step off, however I feel it slowing down. I am choosing to still my emotions. To not fly by some of the harder emotional days, because they are too hard to handle or because of fear, but to face each of them, recognizing and accepting them for what they are. I will maintain the stillness to intentionally work through emotions that arise during the day.

My children are still tossing around ideas for their resolutions or words for themselves for 2023; I really enjoy doing this with the kids now that they are getting old enough to participate more. We may have to assist the three-year-old and help him by suggesting words like kindness, manners or good decisions. My four-year-old said her word is Rapunzel. I asked her to tell me what that means and she said, “To be brave to do what you need to do.” I like that a lot! My older two boys are undecided, and that’s okay. We technically have until next year to decide (that joke never gets old).

What is your word for 2023?