Gift # 1145: Wonderment

Happy New Year to you all!  Standing on the precipice of a new year is always a thrilling moment.  We can’t see beyond the horizon to what this year will hold in store, but we fill it with our hopes, dreams, and fears nonetheless.  It’s exciting to think about what we’ll experience, how we’ll grow, and what we’ll do with the time that is given to us.

I don’t usually make formal resolutions at the new year  A couple of years ago, picking a word for your new year became popular.  I hadn’t jumped on the bandwagon of that yet either, but this year I think I will.  And my word is “wonder”.  I want to catch it like one catches butterflies and then releases them to the sun laughing at their colored wings pulsing with life.  I want the stars to take my breath away while I fall in love with the moon.   This past year has been a very difficult one and I’ve gone through it in a fog.  I spent the majority of it being exhausted, dragging myself through every day and wanting nothing more than to hibernate for 6 months.  I had very little desire to do much of anything, and it was horrible.  I felt numb and “un-alive”.  I’ve not ever been through a time like that before and it was miserable to not feel delight over the blessings that usually fill me with joy.

So this year I’m waging war against the numbness and exhaustion.  I refuse to live my life like a shell of a person.  I want to recapture the wonderment that used to characterize my days.  As I’ve been reading through the Bible these past few months, I’ve been surprised to see how often the word “wonder” comes up.  It is used repeatedly to describe the works of God in creation as well as the acts He performs on behalf of men .  In many of the passages I’ve been reading, the writer encourages the reader to remember the wonders of God and to praise Him for the wonders He’s done.

My goals for regaining a sense of wonder are three-fold.  First: to spend time in nature, appreciating the beauty of creation, and drinking it in.  I already do this, but this past year I haven’t really allowed it to soak into me.  This year I plan to be on the lookout for ordinary miracles all around and to give thanks for them.  Secondly, I want to be wide-eyed in amazement at how God is at work in my life and in the world.  I want to be actively pursuing Him and be aware of His presence.  I’ve been praying that I’ll draw closer to Him and that He’ll fill my heart with wonder as I ponder all He has done and all He is doing.  And third, I want that wonder to pour out of my heart to be a blessing to those that God will bring into my life this year.  It’s my heart’s desire that my life will be a light and joy for others… that people will feel appreciated and heard when they talk with me, that I will be a source of peace not conflict, and that I will share my talents and time to brighten the lives of those around me.

So here’s to 2019!  I’m looking forward to sharing the journey with you.  May it be filled with wonderful things.

Blessings to you,

Sarah

PS Photos are from some highlights of the year:  the orchid show in February, my first pair of knitted socks and the flowers that inspired them (my favorites – hellebores), a visit home to Denver, and Spring Mill State Park in the fall.