I have been having contemplative moments at the end of this year, 2014. I am really seeking a new word to ponder, after living a year titled unofficially: “Priority”
Some of these moments have been about friends and family, others have been about where I have lived and some have been about personal growth and the “offerings” have made over the past few years. Most of my words have a “rhythm”, if you will… I notice they have to do with relationships. And so this word has been on my mind at the end of this year, but not necessarily “THE WORD” I shall use…
“Making Offerings” is about sacrifice. I am beginning to see that as my nature. A beautiful part of my nature, actually. It’s quite possibly the best part of who I am. How I “contribute the world”, to “society”, to my relationships; and how I even glean from the people and challenges that surround me at times, are all very relevant, and noticeable unto me. I really want to do more here… and I haven’t found out why or how to expand that knowledge, in a very sacred way. Yet… it’s possible, I know…
Offerings are defined as : “sacrifices – or something offered in worship or devotion…” And I was just reflecting on life and where I have lived over the past ten years in three states and recalling living in Maryland, Texas & Okla. & I realize that peeps in all facets of my life, taught me how to live life to the fullest! As I made offerings by moving, they made offerings by depositing in my life.
The cultures have been so diverse, and each had its own element of fun and interest and values of their own lifestyle. I’ve had so much fun, and being in the prime of my life where I am now, I realize some of the best of my friendships have been formed in these places.
Of course, Oklahoma taught me lots about depth of character and how to serve; and NY has been my training ground for my relationship with God and Md. taught me about community and sisterhood also brought great friendships; but my relationships in all of these, have just made me who I am today. Yet I’ve had past life, a life where I didn’t have answers and I was so young and trying to figure life out Those formative years you know? They were so rich in learning and gaining spiritual momentum in my life, (Thanks Syracuse, NY) And yet I never desire to go back to them; they are forever imprinted in my mind as memorials.
I just want to keep moving forward, because I am anxious to know what’s next in life… and what life has to bring me in this next season. I want to keep being surprised. i want to bear spiritual fruit, then have it smile back at me , in awe of the life I have lived. I just get so excited thinking about it. I have often wondered what life would be life for the end of 2014, and I didn’t think I would be here, at all.
I have learned so much about myself over the past ten yrs. The weather, for instance, I have learned I cannot and will not live near snow again, (if I can help it – well, maybe so… If God calls me there) but I realize though climate is just “weather”, it still has something to do with how people adjust and find contentment and the relationships and allow themselves to be nurtured. You can find wealth in weather, in various ways if you love the weather and get out in it, no matter how cold or ho it is! There are ways to adapt! But even in the cold places, I guess… we found time to live a little and spend time in coffee houses, homes or on nature walks, even in December.(Imagine that!)
Overall, I believe the “lives we live in our hearts and souls”, inevitably form our relationships. Relationships with self and others, with God and nature… with loving the earth and the spaces within which we live, move and have our beings. When no one is looking and we are praying and seeking to vent, to times when only that ‘one person’ who understands our pain or frustrations of moving and getting to know new people … feels mighty lonely. Even our personal day-to-day challenges, even with things so small – as writing or finding a good book to read ,or BIG – as my entire life shifting and losing a loved one, the people I’ve met over the past ten years and the ones who remain in my life – ALL are significant and have added to my character, and my destiny. And for that, I am so thankful.
And they all come to my heart during the holiday season, like this, because they are my second family.
Amen.
If you’re reading, I love you.
