My hope for you today would be that you’d find yourself at the beginning of a new and hopeful year.
That you’d look towards the days to come with anticipation rather than dread. That you’d see the promise in the empty calendar, and be mindful of how to fill it.
If we were having coffee, I’d reach across the table and touch your arm. I’d want to hear about the things you’re worried about and then tell you it’ll be okay.
I’d tell you I’m feeling a little snowed under. It’s been a lot of days in a row with the kids at home, and especially inside. With 4 boys, our backyard is our greatest gift–and right now, it’s covered in a thick blanket of icy snow. We get them out and play a lot still, but the time between when they get all bundled up and when they return near frostbitten is no match for a little boy’s energy.
But, I know there is grace for all these things. I know that every day is a new beginning–and that we’re just at the start of a really exciting adventure. This year, it’s a gift.
I’m sticking out the winter–learning the lessons that come with cabin fever and frozen chubby toddler toes. I’m mothering myself in these times, and I’d encourage you to do the same. When you can rest, wrap yourself up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea. Burn your favorite candle, and crack open a new favorite book.
I hope that when the snow sinks back into the ground, making it muddy and fresh for life, that you’d be able to say you were strong but soft. That your days weren’t easy, but you chose to see them as good.
I hope.