Second Week
Today is the first day of the second week of the new decade. How’s it been going so far? My hunch is that you are hard at it, honing and developing those well though-out new habits that you’d like to incorporate this year. A lot of us are raising the exercise ante, determined to create some kind of momentum that will carry us through the “I don’t feel like it!” doldrums. We are trying to eat healthy, live kindly, and view the coming days with optimism. Many in my faith tradition are fasting this week, consecrating themselves for service to God.
I hope you had time during the holidays for some contemplation and rest. I hope there was time to be still and consider the gifts of time and community. I also encourage you to have patience and grace with yourself - don’t let perfectionism sabotage the positive shifts you are seeking in your life. If this infant year has already provided disappointment or failure, I empathize, and I say don’t give up. We survivors tend to struggle with that perfectionism deal. I’m not sure how yours works, but mine can be very crippling in that once I’ve goofed up, I tend to write off the entire week, or month, or year. I think that sounds stupid, but it’s been true - once my clean slate is tarnished, I look to some artificial marker for the next opportunity to start fresh.
Sunrise at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
“If this infant year has already provided disappointment or failure, I empathize, and I say don’t give up. ”
I had a chance to be in a kayak last week. An egret flew overhead, and I called out to it, “Happy New Year.” And immediately realized that the natural world isn’t connected to our calendar. There are seasons, yes, but no magic expected at midnight on January 1.
I’m working at recognizing and strengthening rhythms in life that bring me into health, peace and purpose. I am focused on abiding in Jesus, listening to him, and learning from the examples of others. Including the example of that egret, flying gently into the day ready to give and take and do and go and stop and be.
Happy New Year, friend! Happy Today!
Scripture Meditation and Affirmation:
Lamentations 3:22-23
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for making each day new by washing it over with mercy, faithfulness and love. I’m so glad that you are patient and wise. I would like to be like that, too.