Steve- I love all of this- and especially your description of the different aspects of your life to which you plan to bring more intentionality this year. I really liked these lines in particular: “I have to be the one space where I can do what I know to be right and in so doing, know that when I am in a good place, I can share my peace, my joy and my hope with those who are feeling depleted emotionally and spiritually.” I think that’s a great distillation of all that I’ve learned from you over the years about Soul Care- that it’s not selfish, but rather a stewardship of my one and only true self- so that I can live the abundant life that Jesus speaks of, and bring my best self to my family, friends, and the world.
My first word for the year is “simplify.” But as a second guardrail and companion word to keep me out of the ditch on the other side of the road, your post has brought to mind the word “deepen.” So- there are my guardrail words for the year- “simplify” and “deepen.”
I’m liking “deepen”…I also like”lightly… given all that is ahead. Here’s why:
"It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. I was so preposterously serious in those days… Lightly, lightly – it’s the best advice ever given me…So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That’s why you must walk so lightly.”
I have really resonated with your two words “commend” and “intentional”. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your thoughts and prayers with others. I have already shared your Substack on the word “commend” with my close friends. I will now share this blog on intentional. 😊
Oh my goodness, your posts are just getting richer and richer. Giving a language, words that I still just have stirring inside me. So thank you for thinking out loud! After 10 years since I first asked God to give me a word for the new year that I could unwrap all year and let it unfold even further over the years to come; last year was the first year He gave me two, and not at the same time but over a couple of weeks. (Actually He gave them to me in Dec. 2022 for 2023). Anyway I thought how interesting and it was and continues to be as they continue to unfold. My point here, lol, is I love the guardrail idea!! Especially in these days, it makes incredible sense! And so, I know after reading your words, I have indeed been given a second word, the other guardrail or companion word for the other one. I’m simply going to lock arms and follow the yellow brick road and see once again what God has for me to discover along the way. Thanks once again. You are definitely a traveling companion on our journey Homeward.
Thank you for your encouraging words here. I think the power of a good metaphor is the salute of a visual image that invited us to ponder the truth in the metaphor more deeply. Guardrails is such a provocative image— so many of them here on the mountain roads !
great post Steve! I share the same intentions for health and Sabbath....and one more I sense is my "word for the year">>>pace. I've mumbled to myself several times over the past few months, "when do I get to get off the merry-go-round!?" This is the year.....for a slow pace.....a soul's pace....margin to breathe......margin......peace. I can see this requires many boundaries.....and risk. Here's to it my friend!
Steve- I love all of this- and especially your description of the different aspects of your life to which you plan to bring more intentionality this year. I really liked these lines in particular: “I have to be the one space where I can do what I know to be right and in so doing, know that when I am in a good place, I can share my peace, my joy and my hope with those who are feeling depleted emotionally and spiritually.” I think that’s a great distillation of all that I’ve learned from you over the years about Soul Care- that it’s not selfish, but rather a stewardship of my one and only true self- so that I can live the abundant life that Jesus speaks of, and bring my best self to my family, friends, and the world.
My first word for the year is “simplify.” But as a second guardrail and companion word to keep me out of the ditch on the other side of the road, your post has brought to mind the word “deepen.” So- there are my guardrail words for the year- “simplify” and “deepen.”
I’m liking “deepen”…I also like”lightly… given all that is ahead. Here’s why:
"It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. I was so preposterously serious in those days… Lightly, lightly – it’s the best advice ever given me…So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That’s why you must walk so lightly.”
Aldous Huxley - Island, 1962.
I have really resonated with your two words “commend” and “intentional”. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your thoughts and prayers with others. I have already shared your Substack on the word “commend” with my close friends. I will now share this blog on intentional. 😊
Thank you for letting me know. I’m glad this is helpful!
Oh my goodness, your posts are just getting richer and richer. Giving a language, words that I still just have stirring inside me. So thank you for thinking out loud! After 10 years since I first asked God to give me a word for the new year that I could unwrap all year and let it unfold even further over the years to come; last year was the first year He gave me two, and not at the same time but over a couple of weeks. (Actually He gave them to me in Dec. 2022 for 2023). Anyway I thought how interesting and it was and continues to be as they continue to unfold. My point here, lol, is I love the guardrail idea!! Especially in these days, it makes incredible sense! And so, I know after reading your words, I have indeed been given a second word, the other guardrail or companion word for the other one. I’m simply going to lock arms and follow the yellow brick road and see once again what God has for me to discover along the way. Thanks once again. You are definitely a traveling companion on our journey Homeward.
Thank you for your encouraging words here. I think the power of a good metaphor is the salute of a visual image that invited us to ponder the truth in the metaphor more deeply. Guardrails is such a provocative image— so many of them here on the mountain roads !
great post Steve! I share the same intentions for health and Sabbath....and one more I sense is my "word for the year">>>pace. I've mumbled to myself several times over the past few months, "when do I get to get off the merry-go-round!?" This is the year.....for a slow pace.....a soul's pace....margin to breathe......margin......peace. I can see this requires many boundaries.....and risk. Here's to it my friend!
I love this for you Mark!!! Now live it… slowly!