2023: My "Word".

January 1st, 2023. My alarm went off at 6:30 this morning. After a ten-minute snooze, I got up, threw on my boots, and went out to collect eggs in the cool, country air.

I checked on the hens, collected their treasures, and then just stood outside, staring at the beauty in every direction.

Fog hovered just above the ground, birds chirped in the trees above me, and first rays of sunlight were popping over the hill behind our house.

I was hit with a deep sense of gratitude. 

I love this place. The variety of our land, with hills and trees and open fields. The quiet of the morning without the chaos of city traffic or construction.  It's my dream home.

I glanced over at my small, muddy chicken run, covered with torn tarps to shield my girls from winter winds, and remembered the beautiful chicken coop I had in mind when we moved out here. What I have isn't even close to what I wanted. But in that moment, as I held 7 fresh eggs in my hands, I was grateful for the 7 chickens squawking next to me.

I looked towards the double wide my husband remodeled for us to live in, remembering the amazing dream house we planned together. This small home, with the unfinished ceiling, uneven floors, and cracked window panes, was currently keeping my five sleeping children cozy and warm.

Today is the first day of a new year. This is when my newsreel is flooded with dreams of New and Better.

"New Year, New Me."

"Better body."

"Better house."

"Better, New, More."

That's all great. I'm a huge fan of constantly making improvements and plan to do it myself this year. I have goals and dreams and lists.  But, in the midst of More and Better, I don't want to lose sight of the blessings I have right now. Too often, we focus on the things we want instead of the things we have.

It's trendy right now to choose "a word" for the new year.

I don't do "trendy." I couldn't care less what others are doing. But I'm going to jump in on this one.

So my word for 2023 is Gratitude.

And my focus is to remember just how much God has given me.

Happy New Year!