. . .present. . .

That’s my goal/resolution/aspiration/desire (whatever you want to call it) for twenty thirteen.

To be present.

To let go of what was…and what could have been. . .and what may be. . .

and be wholly present.

Don’t get me wrong, I need to start and stop and tweak and outright change some behaviors as well, but more than any of that I want to be fully IN the moments of this year.

As I pondered what it would look like to put skin on that, I kept coming back to 18 words that were written to describe the life my mom’s best friend Sissy. . . the most Godly, gracious, wise person that our family has known. When it was evident that cancer was going to cut her life grievously short, her daughters gathered her best friends for her last birthday (59) to celebrate a life lived well. Really well. And each person was charged with writing out what they had learned from Sissy in 25 words or less. Her oldest daughter stated it this way, and these simple phrases have held a special place in our lives since:

So I took these words and made them into a iPhone case (since that’s perhaps the biggest thief of being present) to remind me that this is the type of person I want to be becoming. . .and to make tangible what I think it looks like to be present by:

-being available and engaged and intentional about the relationships that matter most. Loving Passionately.

-letting go of grudges and anger and disappointment and extending the same grace to others that I’ve received. Forgiving Completely.

-relinquishing control and seeking after not only God’s plan(s) but also HIS presence. Praying Fervently.

-doing my job(s) well and not wasting energy comparing myself to other moms/wives/photographers. Working Happily.

-spending time without distraction (ahem-put the damn iPhone down!) meditating on God’s word. Worshiping Reverently.

-recognizing that I’ve been blessed TO BE a blessing. Serving Sacrificially.

-cooking at home more (God help me) and enjoying the chaos that is family meal time. Eating Healthily

-celebrating the good and keeping a sense of humor about the bad. Laughing Heartily.

-remembering that life ‘aint a dress rehearsal. Living Fully.

Let’s do this.