As 2021 draws to a close, I hope to move into the New Year with a heart filled with gratitude, a focus on savoring the small moments that mean so much, and the joy of making lasting memories. I want to ease my hectic schedule so I can slow down and enjoy the blessings God’s given me. Nothing brings me happiness like seeing my grandkids smile, my family laughing as we all gather, or the simple act of holding hands with my hubby while we walk along the beach. I love feeling squishy sand between my toes and the coolness of the ocean foam spraying over my feet. I find such peace being outdoors—in soaking up the feel of the sun’s warmth on my face, the softness of a gentle breeze, or the stillness of a fresh blanket of snow.
I find time spent in God’s creation helps me to feel closer to Him. Whether we’re swimming in the sea, hiking in the forest, or enjoying a picnic on a boulder at a favorite river. It’s in these activities and moments in which my mind slows down enough and all my senses kick in so I can just feel enveloped by the Lord’s presence and the time spent with family.
I truly believe that memories and meaning are deeply connected with one another. The memories we make, along with the remembrance of God’s work in our lives and His promises result in the culmination of meaning in our lives. How we live for Him and how we invest our time.
One memory I hold dear from a young age is the beautiful cardinal that would perch on my windowsill every morning and sing. Whenever my mom spotted a cardinal, she’d say “there’s your bird.” She bought me many cardinal gifts over the years, and every time I see a red Cardinal, I fondly remember my mom and my singing friend, and I’m filled with comfort.
As you move into 2022, I pray for a year of making wonderful memories and deepened meaning in our Lord.
What’s one of your favorite memories?
Merry Christmas and much love,
Dani
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So beautifully worded. Thank you. God bless you and your family this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Oh, thank you so much, Susan. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
I pray you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Yes, beautiful message. Whenever my mother saw a cardinal, she would say there’s going to be a change in the weather. Memories are certainly precious. And cardinals are the state bird of Virginia!
Merry Christmas!
Awww. That’s so cool you have a cardinal story with your mom 🙂 I love remembering my mom and grandma’s sayings.
I’m from VA so it’s really neat they are the state bird.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Wishing you a very blessed Christmas. Always enjoy your posts.
Thanks so much, Emogene. I’m so glad you enjoy the posts. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
My memories always take me to the mountains of Northeast Tennessee where we spent the holidays with my grandparents.
What a special memory of the cardinal on your windowsill, Dani.
A favourite memory for me is when I was about 9 years old. In wintertime, my dad would tuck my twin sister and I into the bunkbed of our family’s old trapper’s cabin that was nestled deep in the backwoods of British Columbia… ice, and cold, and snow all outside the door, and we snug inside the little cabin, while the old pot belly stove, hot with fire, crackled a harmony to Dad’s voice as he read aloud to us and we fell asleep.