It was a good night. The table was decorated with chocolate fondue and all the dippers. Surrounded by some of the best women I know, I was thankful that we decided to honor our annual Christmas ornament exchange once again. Toward the end of our night, one friend posed the question, "If you had to choose one word by which you hope to live in 2016, what word would you choose?"
I'm not one for resolutions, but I'm always up for a good word challenge. The first to go said joy. So she took my word, no worries. The next, intentional joy. Are phrases acceptable now? Victory. Peace. Crap. I'm next.
See that picture up there? That's my family. I couldn't love them any harder if I tried. I'm a wife, yes, and a mother, but those aren't the only two roles I fill. I'm also a teacher. I'm a sister, daughter, friend, Christian, book worm, antique store drifter, dog lover, Netflix junkie, wine enthusiast, aspiring writer, wanderlust; you get the picture. I wear many hats, pursue many passions, and I want to be my best at everything I do. It's an impossible feat, really, and what ensues as a result? Guilt. Then on the rare occasion when there actually happens to be an absence of guilt, I feel guilty for not feeling guilt. My story isn't any different from any other woman. Except on this one night there was a word challenge coming my way and a table full of women reminding me of God's grace.
Live. In 2016 I want to live simply yet deeply. I want to live with a reasonable sense of abandonment so as to say "yes" to taking a break from grading in order to play blocks, kitchen, and dolls before the blocks, kitchen, and dolls are no more. I want to get lost in a page and a metaphor or forget the time while I maneuver among antique plates. I want to laugh at myself in the classroom and celebrate even the smallest successes. I want to know Christ and revel in His word. I want to shake off the guilt and live. Then, I want to write my story. So I'm back to fill this space. It's as simple as that, y'all.
My word is live.
