Anyone else out there have parents or grandparents that would loudly exclaim, "My Word!" when they were shocked or mad or just trying not to swear? Well, if ever there was time that that phrase is appropriate it is now!

My Word what a year!

Admittedly, It's been more than a few years since I have posted on my blog and as everyone knows and needs no reminder, 2020 was a crazy year, myself included.  No, I did not get Covid nor did I lose anyone close to me and for that I am forever thankful! My wonderful daughter married an equally wonderful man and in the midst of the wedding planning my husband, of 32 years, and I divorced.  The details...well those will remain private, but I assure you my dear readers that never in my wildest of dreams did I anticipate being single again. 

My Word!

Engagement PhotoOh, My Word! What a couple.

As is my New Years tradition I do not make resolutions, rather I try to have a guiding word or phrase and this year I struggled with which word or phrase to chose. My Word, what word?  Well a few days ago I picked up my journal and just started writing and these words flew off my pen and onto my paper in a matter of a minute or two:

My Dec 30th Journal entry: "To love and be loved without smothering. To cherish and be cherished but not be choked. To move on and leave the baggage. To trust God's hands to nurture the wounds. To trust God's arms to hold the pain. To assign fear & doubt to the right people. To simultaneously open & protect my heart."  

Just like most of the rest of the world I cannot wait for the time when we can gather again, go to restaurants again, to hug again. My work in education took me to new and interesting places when we went "full remote" and like everyone else I am excited to see the students again. Serving them is like the air I breathe, water for my thirsty soul, joy for my wounded heart, and any other positive comparison-cliche I can think of. Working with and serving them is such a privilege and there are days that I feel overwhelmed that I get to do what I do AND get paid for it. 

My Word, life is grand!

Formal BridalOh, my word, isn't she lovely!     

So while writing this blog  a word popped into my head, something to focus on for the upcoming year.  I've heard it said about students so many times this year, I've hear it said about First Responders and hospital workers, most especially about nurses. It's a word that I have come to describe myself yet I do feel that it is one that I need to put in my pocket for the future months, just in case.

What is that word?  My word is: Resilience.  

Oh My Word!