2023: Grab less; Open more

I was blessed with abundant Christmases as a child. The tree was surrounded by gifts, and it took all morning and then some to open them all. Yes, I was blessed, but I was also exhausted by it all. Rather than savor this sweater or ball, I looked for the next unopened package. In the end, I sat surrounded by gifts and paralyzed by which one I should focus on.

Unfortunately, I do the same with my life, and it’s never more apparent than at the start of a new year. With high hopes and countless expectations for the coming year, I get lost in all the possibilities surrounding me. Like a child, I don’t know where, or on what, to focus.

This year, I’m trying something different. Rather than grab (this gift or that, this resolution or that) I’m going to open my hands. Aware of the many gifts I’ve been given, I want to receive this year, this day, this moment, this person, this opportunity, this challenge as the gift it is. I don’t want to force it to be more than it is, nor do I want to diminish or dilute it. Remembering the many who were not given 2023, I want to breathe deep and, with a profound sense of gratitude, walk into this year with a grateful and obedient heart. I want to show up and be present and see what God has in store for me.

My hunch is it will be more than I can imagine. All I have to do is grab less and open more.