“God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.” Ingrid Goff-Maidoft

You never know what a year will hold. That’s the formidable yet impelling part of a new year, all enveloped into one package. 

Somewhat like the life of Jesus. 

Swaddled in a manger, crucified on a cross, Savior of the world. And all of the crucial in between.

I think having lived such unexpected paths in life leads me to the knowledge and truth that He will be my guiding light in the darkest days and circumstances, yet also the gratitude that my heart beats for when peace outweighs heartache. 

I look back and see and feel His reckless love time and time again, even when I was being reckless with my opportunities.

When I ponder on this next year, there is a piece of me, in all honesty,  that questions what heartache will come and what precious heartstrings will be strung.

I’ve celebrated a lot of miracles and endured a lot of heartache. 

I’ve treasured holding things I never thought I would. 

I’ve suffered enduring things I never asked for. 

I’ve learned when trials come, so does growth. 

I’ve learned where miracles arise, so must celebration. 

So it comes to this truth: 

“Celebrations are necessary and affliction is inevitable.” C. Elizabeth

ONE DAY is my word for the year. 

I used to tell John going through addiction, “one day or day one, the choice is yours.” 

It’s a choice for all of us. 

ONE DAY, will be our last day, and someone else’s that you love. Who will be first? No one knows.

ONE DAY this life between two gardens won’t be my home anymore, Heaven will. But many I will leave behind. 

ONE DAY will be my last to hold close the ones that my whole heart beats for. So hold them close.

ONE DAY may be the only chance I get to share Jesus with that person who is about to take their last breath unknowingly. Boldly share without regret.

ONE DAY the trivial matters here on earth will melt away because heaven will always prevail. For those who choose Him.

ONE DAY I will have wished I would lessened the things that didn’t matter to focus on the things right in front of me that did. Every 60 seconds is a minute we will never hold again.

ONE DAY I will yearn for this moment, right here, right now. And if I’m not careful, I will miss it like I have so many already being reckless with opportunities and chances. Take the chances. Seize the seconds.

ONE DAY these little boys will hold a feeling of me in their hearts and I want it to be Jesus, not a phone to my face or weary worldly human. Simplify and recognize.

ONE DAY these screens we watch other peoples lives through will fade and so will the lives right infront of us that we missed. Put the phones down and shut the distractions away. Regret is one of the most painful stages of grief.

ONE DAY the little socks and onesies will be no longer. Fold them while praying for little bodies.

ONE DAY my chance to serve them will be gone. Serve with your whole heart. We never know how something so simple could change the trajectory of an entire life. 

ONE DAY your spouses irritations and short comings will you crave to feel again. Love them hard while you have them.

ONE DAY the dinner table will be empty. Make it a memory to be held without distractions. It’s one of the most powerful things a family can do.

ONE DAY that front door won’t open with their evening arrival anymore, welcome them in everyday like it’s the last time you will.

ONE DAY suffering will be no longer and wholeness will reign. Let your hope be Heaven.

ONE DAY the simplest of moments will be the ones we’d give anything to have back, if even just a second. Revel in the occasions, sit at the bathtub with them, listen to what words may not be spoken.

ONE DAY the time will have passed to do the things I wish I would have done, as so many already have. Just say yes.

ONE DAY someone is going to write that book that God so eagerly placed on my heart if I don’t. So here goes nothing! 

ONE DAY the days will hold unforeseeable circumstances and  unwanted heartache. His strength will carry us through.

ONE DAY they won’t be there to forgive or to ask for forgiveness. Do it now. Dont wait until it’s too late. I promise it will change your life. Just ask me.

ONE DAY we will answer for the opportunities missed when someone needed your vulnerability instead of your perfection. You may never know this side of heaven what an impact your painful past can help another. 

ONE DAY I will finally run into the arms of my Father. A feeling I have longed for, for far too long.

ONE DAY all the things you wished you were doing now will reign heavier in the then. Prioritize what matters, get rid of what doesn’t.

So, while I’m here on earth, I want to live as if ONE DAY, is my last or their last. 

I know days I will win, and days I will lose.

I know moments I will crush, and moments I will savor.

Grace…

This word for the year may not make sense for many, but for me it does. So boldly given to me.

You see, we can’t see our full book yet, but the years ahead and years past are writing the book, our book. 

And for today, ONE DAY, all I can ask is Lord lead the way. 

As blind as my head and heart may feel, I trust YOU.