The past year has been far from ordinary, to say the least. You may recall that 2022 began with my husband Rich suffering a heart attack. After two heart catheterizations, he improved quickly, but other medical issues ensued throughout the year including COVID. Rich never complains, and his optimistic outlook is one reason he is back in good health now.
Eleanor, and Paulina
In the midst of emergency room visits, doctors’ appointments, and fear, I discovered the sacredness of the ordinary. So many times, I prayed for just an ordinary day, and when we had one, I sent up prayers of gratitude.
I began to notice what joy I took in ordinary moments. As I fall asleep at night, I count ten blessings of that day. In 2022, my list increasingly included ordinary things like finishing my cup of tea while it was still hot, reading a book to Paulina and Eleanor, the beauty of a particular tree on my afternoon walks, or even someone waving as they passed me in a car.
I felt like Elijah at the cave entrance waiting for God to pass. God wasn’t in the earthquake, or the mighty wind, or the fire. God was in the gentle breeze. 1 Kings 19:10-18. I was finding the “sacred in the ordinary” in things like a bowl of oatmeal.
I have walked Ka’anapali Beach when a rainbow broke through the clouds just as a whale breached. That was a sacred moment. I have stood above the blue rooftops of Santorini Island, felt the vibrations of a vortex in Sedona, Arizona, and stood staring at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. All of these were sacred moments. As they should be.
This New Year’s Eve while conversing with friends, I looked over at Rich and was flooded with awareness of how deeply I love him. That was sacred in the ordinary. The other day I cried with delight at the video of Eleanor and Paulina walking in their winter boots for the first time. That was sacred in the ordinary. so was their reaction to seeing their Christmas tree for the first time.
This past year it was the “sacred in the ordinary” that moved my heart and soul. I will carry that awareness into 2023 and be even more cognizant of and grateful for the ordinary this year.
What is your One Little Word for 2023? Please leave me a comment and let me know.
Wishing you an ordinary day, an ordinary year, and the awareness of the sacred in those ordinary moments.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know your One Little Word.
Betty, I was moved by your words and the challenges that you and Rich have faced together. Also, the delight in your beautiful granddaughters made me smile. My word for the year was “strength”, recognizing my own and gathering it from friends and family when mine was waning. Thank you for your inspiration, my friend.
Barb, strength is a perfect word for you. You have been so strong over the years with caring for Tim until he passed. And your beautiful family must be a great source of strength for you. I wish you a peace-filled New Year.
Your post brought tears to my eyes and then I sobbed. I am glad your husband has persevered in his recovery. And you came away with a deeper appreciation of God’s love ❤️. Your granddaughters are gorgeous. 2022 was a hard year and I feel like I lost control of where I was heading. This year I am choosing “structure.” I need it or my motivation falters. Happy New Year, Elizabeth. Good luck to youu in 2023.
Thanks for your kind words, Deb. I understand what you mean about losing control of where you were heading. Many times I felt the same. Structure is a great word for 2023! I wish you all best this year.
What a beautiful post, Betty. When we’re in the midst of a crisis, it’s hard to find a blessing. Yet, I should. Counting my blessings before sleep is a wonderful idea. I’m so glad you shared it.
Thanks, Diane. I’ve been counting 10 blessings before I go to sleep for many years. Sometimes the day is so full I count more than 10. Sometimes I fall asleep before I get to 10 LOL.