Home. Generosity. Passion.

Every new year, lots of folks set resolutions or themes for where they hope to focus going forward, while reviewing the past. 

Do you? Did you?

I don't. The process adds too much pressure, causing me to feel overwhelmed. Then, I lose track of my goal because I am stuck on checking boxes while not really moving forward (or deeper). 

In January, I tried it. 

For the last several months of 2023, I was engaged in an organized group where we met weekly, built relationships, and supported one another. One of the women in my group invited me to participate in a "prayer board" making party. The gist is that one would create a physical reminder of what and how to pray throughout the year (day, month, whatever works for each individual). She hyped it up by sending inspirational videos and pinterest boards to the group. I texted her "this sort of thing isn't my bag, but I will come to hang out." 

I am glad I did. I genuinely enjoy spending time with this new group of friends. We are different, but we care for one another. More importantly, we respect one another. 

I put my prayer board in the laundry room so I can see it every day. I don't do the laundry in my house (something to send a prayer of thanksgiving for), but I walk by it several times a day. Within a couple days, I was surprised at how just reading the words and remembering my state of mind and feelings when I made it adjusted my perspective and mood (if even for a few moments until a child screamed or I got annoyed with Travis).

My prayer board says: 

Home: Do everything in love. . . . Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud

Generosity: Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Passion: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.