January, 2017 seems so long ago and yet a minute ago. For our Spiritual Thursday gathering this month, we are reflecting on the words we chose as our one little word, a guiding word, a resolution word. I wrote Cherish on a chalkboard hanging in my laundry room with the intention of reminding myself daily of my self-promise to cherish each moment.
Life happens.
Stuff gets in the way.
I’m late for work.
I hit my funny bone.
I spill coffee all over my car.
But still, when *&#% happens, I can breathe, take a moment to regain my composure, and find a way to cherish the next moment. The moment when someone lets me pull out in front of them, when a child offers a hug, when my husband buys me flowers just because.
We are not promised a pathway of roses. We will certainly have dark moments, scary moments, angry moments. Cherish helped me turn these moments to joy, to find the light, to pay attention to the important stuff.
I’m not ready to erase the chalkboard yet. I want to find a way to cherish this season of Advent. When cars are piled in traffic jams and there is never enough time to get it all done, I want to stop and look at the curled letters of Cherish and remember that each moment is a gift.
Margaret, I love how you’ve allowed cherish to impact your life… even when another word is on that board, cherish will still be in your heart. And oh, those glowing blossoms! What a great (unexpected) image for December. xo
The image is an angel trumpet. They bloom in the fall and smell amazing. I’m working on getting one for my own yard. A friend has a cutting to offer me.
Thanks for sharing your poignant word, Cherish. It’s a word that many of us can appreciate and draw from continuously! Your haiku and image are beautiful and encompass the wealth that Cherish has to offer.
cherish is the word from Jr High chorus
I can’t tell you how many times I sang that song
The image somehow just really illustrates the word cherish so well. The fragile nature of the flower compliments the fragility of the word “cherish”…we can so easily crush instead of cherish.
Yes, the image does pair perfectly with the word cherish. Thanks for this message, it encourages me to de-stress and enjoy the moment. Blessings!
What a lovely image of the trumpet-shaped flower as background of the poem from your laundry room. It sounds like the word “cherish” has sweetened your 2017. May you continue to cherish Advent and beyond.
Margaret, can I add that I “cherish” our friendships. I often grow as a learner of life when I read your posts. Tonight, is no exception with this statement: “I’m not ready to erase the chalkboard yet. I want to find a way to cherish this season of Advent.” Advent is the time for preparation and what better way to spend it than cherishing what we have and what we are waiting for on Christmas Day-a newborn to bring light to our world.
I love that you have your word written in chalk in a prominent place. We get so busy and caught up in everyday life, it’s good to be reminded of our focus. Sounds like cherish was a bountiful word for your year. So many moments to recall with fondness.
Love these words from your post: ” Cherish helped me turn these moments to joy, to find the light, to pay attention to the important stuff.” Your haiku and the chalkboard reminder were delightful ways to keep cherish at the forefront of your thinking. Peace to you this advent season as you remind us to remember the gift of each moment.