An Awe-Struck New Year

Today it doesn't seem possible that Christmas 2018 is now just a distant memory. When you reflect on it through the rearview mirror, how was it? 

Did you find wonder and awe in the small moments?

We started our morning with a long walk, followed by Aebelskiver,

a traditional Danish dish for breakfast; click the image for a recipe.

Then we headed to our dinner and gift exchange

{and traditional shot on the staircase} with the Grueners.

I got a lot of really nice things, but this hand-painted sign

that Jacob made for me really tugged at my heartstrings.

It's based on a conversation we had at tuck-in time

about a dozen years ago, when he was in Jr. High.

We were discussing some feedback I'd gotten from

a speaking engagement, in McKinney ISD, I believe.

The convo that went something like this

began when he inquired how it went.

Me: One of the participants said that I was changing the world;

isn't that kind of silly?

Jacob: Well, mom, you are, you know.

 Me: But son, the world is such a big place.

Jacob: But you've spoken in Texas, right? And you've spoken in California? And D.C.? Georgia? And Tennessee? Indiana? And Puerto Rico? Washington and Wisconsin and Vermont?

Me: Yes.

Jacob: Well, mom, what you have to say is rippling out, 

and eventually those ripples are going to touch.

Truth, from the head and the heart of my thirteen-year-old. Can you see why I teared up? I treasured the other thoughtful gifts, too; Kaitlyn got me a book and invited me to do a book study with her. How fun is that? John picked out a few really pretty shirts for me and Joshua got me a red sequin mindfulness throw.

I really wanted the magical feeling 

of those precious moments

to last just a little bit longer.

We finished the day watching two classics,

Rudolph and The Little Drummer Boy. 

And now it's time to look forward with intention.

Have you picked a #oneword2019 yet?

I do believe mine is going to be awe. 

Awe.

I savor that feeling

and want to do a better job at 

finding it and creating it.

I plan to look for awe in the small stuff,

to search for awe in my rituals and my routine, 

to watch for awe wherever I go, in whatever I do.

Mixing respect with fear or wonder;

pushing courageously through the fear

to revel in the inspiration.

To be left awe struck.

Just
rest,
love,

trust,
grow,
laugh,

serve,

listen,

affirm,

be real,

forgive,

celebrate,

apologize,

seek truth,

dream big,

give grace,

encourage,

choose joy,

build hope,
inspire awe,

stay grateful,

pursue peace,

create beauty,

communicate,

breathe deeply,

show empathy, 

accept mistakes,

bounce forward,

live generously,

be a loyal friend,
spread positivity,

share compassion,

practice kindness,

live with integrity,

value vulnerability,

embrace challenges,

love wholeheartedly,

treasure quiet moments,

sparkle with enthusiasm,

solve conflicts peacefully,

unwrap the

present, each

and every day.

*********************************

 Here's to a tree-mendously awe-filled 2019.