Second Wind
It seems we’re still wearing masks and being cautious about where we go and how we handle ourselves in public and private and yet–I hope to have a happy new year and I wish the same for you. I’m putting my trust in the only one who knows how our year will go–our God.
As has been my custom I chose a ‘word for the year.’ For 2022 mine is GRATITUDE. I’m choosing to be thankful for everything–sickness, health, new births in our family, losses, new friends and old, work that satisfies, retirement in some areas, new clients in other, travel and quarantine, disappointments and joyful surprises. What a mix!
At the end of one year and the start of another I often find myself getting into my ‘planning’ mode–so I have something to look forward to. This year I’m scrapping that habit and just watching to see what unfolds and being grateful before I even see what it is. Of course we have to shop for food and fill up our cars and drive to work or a medical appointment. I’m not talking about that kind of planning. I’m talking about the kind that has a whole lot of expectation attached to it–the kind that doesn’t allow for change or disappointment, the kind where I am so attached that I can’t let go, the kind I think of day and night with such a choke-hold that I’m devastated if it doesn’t come to pass.
What a way to live! I know that and yet, I have succumbed to it more years than I want to admit.
So this year, I’m going to get a ‘second wind’ and begin again with peace and calm. I found on the internet “the term ‘second wind’ was first used in the 1830s, to mean a renewed sense of vigor when one has become tired from physical exertion.”
I’ve spent too much time exerting myself, not only physically but mentally and emotionally too.
So here’s to a ‘second wind’ for all of us throughout 2022.
“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Karen, I love this, and have always considered you such a thankful person, in good times and bad. As well you know, my favorite book of yours is Basket of Blessings. You (literally) wrote the book on gratitude! I know I am most thankful for your friendship, and again, for republishing my essay recently. Thank you so much, and I pray it helps women and babies.
My word is FINISH. I am finding it so rich and there are plenty of Scripture verses to apply.
And,I will be THANKFUL when i do–finish, that is! 🙂
Happy New Year, dear heartner.
xo
Lynni
Thanks so much for your kind words and for your story in last week’s blog. You really blessed so many people, as you know. God bless you and much love.
Looking forward to all God has for me to accomplish this year-full of gratitude and according to His will and His way. It’s the best way to live! Happy New Year, my dear friend!
And to you, dear Glenda.
Karen, I’m going to adopt SECOND WIND also — great idea!!! Thanks, dear friend, Carolyn Curtis
Happy New Year, dear Carolyn. Enjoy your ‘second wind.’
Dear Karen. I just KNOW I have sent this to you before and if I have, forgive me and perhaps someone reading this has not heard this story! Several years ago I was getting ready to vacuum my living room but I was NOT in the mood and was sort of complaining to myself when I said to myself to stop complaining! “change your attitude, express more gratitude”! I began to think I was fortunate I had a new vacuum, a nice home and beautiful carpet to vacuum, and the strength to vacuum, and so I felt better. That week when doing volunteer work at the church, I was talking with one of the women who was active in a group of older women and for some reason I confessed my story of complaing. She was so impressed and said she had been trying to think of a motto for the older women and she thought a good one would be what I said: “Change your attitude, express more gratitude” and she asked permission to use it! Of course I was happy for her to use it and thanked God for my many blessings that I may have complained about! Thanks Karen. It is still one of my many expressions!
Margaret, I love this “Change your attitude, express more gratitude.” I will adopt it too. My word for the year is GRATITUDE so this slogan fits right in.
mom, this is beautiful!! and helpful and inspiring. you’ve modeled gratitude so beautifully for all of us and now we look to you as you’ve modeled flexibility and release. thank you!!! love you so much. xo erin
Thank you, Erin, for sharing your words with us. I sure appreciate them. And I appreciate and love you.
❤️