I love the start of the new year. If the previous year was filled with hardships and sorrow, the slate is clean to begin anew. But if the year was filled with wonderful experiences and accomplishments, it makes me wonder what may come. I refuse to worry about the “what if’s” that a new year can bring and look forward to the adventures I have yet to experience.

My tradition of selecting a word for the New Year will continue in 2020. My word for 2019 was transform and transform I did. Not just physically, but spiritually as well. I have a great outlook on what my path may look like after I complete my Master of Divinity and I am open to new possibilities. My health is great and the projects I am working on are feeding my soul. I am grateful to have this amazing outlook on life as I enter a new decade.

My word for 2020 is reverence. The first thing that usually comes to mind with this word is the religious aspect of reverence. I have started working with a spiritual director and look forward to digging into my understanding of the Divine. I want to go to another level of not only understanding what connects me to the One who created me, but I want to take my spiritual understanding to a new level when helping others in the world.

The other aspect of reverence is the reverence I have for others and myself. How do I treat other people? Am I listening wholeheartedly? Am I saying things to myself that are untrue? And yes, I say terrible things to myself just like you do, and I want to work harder at being kinder to my mind and soul.

My hope is that you find happiness and peace in this New Year. Remember, Beloved, you are loved by the One who created the universe. It’s the kind of love that has no words, the kind of love that surpasses our understanding. Never doubt it.

Today I Am Thankful for:

1. a clean house
2. warm socks
3. oversized sweatshirts
4. carpet powder
5. contentment