Here’s hoping you will behave yourself this year, dear January. Let’s be friends, shall we?
And for all of you, as I promised—
Yes, my friends, we made it. Way to go.
And while I realize this won’t have the impact or cause the excitement that the announcement of American Girl’s new Girl of the Year doll has created (oh yes, we live on a street with several girls ages 6-10–this is BIG news in our world, y’all), all the same, here is my word for the year…..
With.
And the thoughts that touched my soul and put this word on my heart can be read here.
Being with people means I can’t leave messages for them on their phones, at a time I conveniently know they won’t be there. I can’t do good deeds for them and go home. In fact I can’t do anything for them: I have to abide with them–even if for ten whole minutes–and allow them to abide with me.
–Sara Miles
That is challenging and uncomfortable in a whole new way. Yep, I need to do some stepping outside of the proverbial box. Abiding with.
It reminds me of a quote I heard years ago in my Spiritualty class. I fell in love with it then, and it has come back to me over the past few months. For a reason, I suppose.
When sitting, just sit,
Above all, don’t wobble.
–Zen poem
Just being with is pretty powerful, I think. Sometimes that is the greatest gift we can give another person–our brothers and sisters in this world, the ones we know and the ones we don’t–just being. With.
Contemplating what that will look like in my moment by moment life–
Love to all.
(and yes, it’s still Merry Christmas! Merry Eight Maids-a-milking!)
I Might Need A Nap 
Ohhhh…that’s a good one!
Thank you ma’am. I like it, and yet it scares the fool out of me.
Your post reminded me of a word that I love but fear–abide. My friend, Robin, taught me that one when Richard was sick.
I would love to hear that story. When you pointed out that word, I kept hearing the old hymn, Abide with me. I think that’s what I want most in this world. Yes, I love and fear “with.” If I take it to heart, it will be a challenging year, I’m afraid. ‘Cause “with” is not only limited to those it’s easy to be around…..and that’s where it gets hard.