Tuesday, December 30, 2008

JOYFUL NEW YEAR!!!

"May I suggest, you stun the world?"


One-liners. I love 'em. The above quote was spoken by Mr. Magorium, played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."


We are officially on the eve of the eve of a New Year -- my favorite holiday of the whole year. For me, the countdown is in full swing. I have the anticipation of a child who attempts to stay up all night on Christmas Eve, eager for the events of the following morning. January first -- symbolic of a clean slate, another chance, perhaps a "do over..." It's a chance for me to reevaluate the past year, ask questions. What worked? What didn't? To reflect on God's goodness. His blessings beyond measure. To wonder. Again. Because sometimes the dailyness of life overtakes me and I forget to wonder.


I'm working on my goals for this upcoming of grandest events, this new year. Now, I know, each day is special, and, of course, there's the whole "life is not made of up of hours and days, but of moments," and I agree. But, at midnight, on January 1st, like the gun signaling the start of a 50-yard dash, it begins -- again. Usually, I wait, like the boxer warming up in the corner of the ring, dancing around, shaking my arms, getting ready for the bell before I charge in and begin swinging. This year, I decided to practice. So several weeks ago I started being more intentional about what I eat, my morning workouts, the words and tone I choose when speaking to my children. Baking something yummy and driving to a friend's house to deliver a treat, a smile, a hug. (Remember, I'm the homebody who would rather stay in my little cave... something God is working on stretching right out of me.)


I love new. I love potential. I love imagining what might be. Perhaps this year I'll "stun the world" ...at least in the little corner of the world where God has placed me in this moment in time.


So, I'll continue to pray about my goals, write them down, get ready... And then I'll take a deep breath, kiss my husband, raise my hands in worship of the One Who gives each new day, and plunge in to the newness with passion.


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

6 comments:

  1. All I have to say is AMEN!!

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  2. Like our pastor said you can't fail or succeed if you do not set goals. Thanks for the encouragement!

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  3. I found your blog! Yeah! It is so fun to read your words because I can totally hear you speaking them! I miss you and this will be a fun way to keep up with you and your wild ride... it might answer a few of my questions as well (like how on earth did you end up over there?!) Happy New Year from the Kaeding family!

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  4. I'm sitting here in my jammies, New Year's Eve at 10:11, husband upstairs in bed with a fever, one smallish child still watching tv. The last of the company left yesterday (after 16 days) and I feel as though every single ounce of looking-forwardness has been sucked right out of me. I'm going to brush my teeth, say a prayer of thanks, and go to sleep. Tomorrow I will read this again, with hopes of mustering up the energy to be thoughtful, and get back to you then. Happy New Year, friend.

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  5. I loved this blog today! You said it so perfectly. Thank you - and wishing you a wonderful and blessed new year!

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