As some of you do annually, I have begun picking a
word for the New Year. Frequently, the “word” or idea comes to me around
November-ish before the New Year begins and I jot it down. So far, they have
been profound and I’ve been amazed looking back in December at the end of each
year at how that theme was divinely interwoven and consistently present throughout
my experiences. To take a look back, here were the last few:
2012: REDEMPTION
2013: STORYTELLING
I had many beautiful stories to tell that birthed in
2013. I found myself sharing my story as well as Luba’s & my story time and
time again. I connected with so many people of all ages and backgrounds through
stories, both mine and theirs. You can read about both of those HERE.
This year, FREEDOM came to me. I liked that. It
sounded good. I quickly jotted that one down and claimed that baby. Then, as I
pondered on it more and prayed through it, I realized it had a secondary part,
VULNERABILITY. Oh no! Ouch! I think it’ll be a good year taking steps to more
“Freedom” by being vulnerable, by taking the lid off many of those areas of my life
that are snug, nestled way down deep inside. Being married this year will bring
a lot of things into the light (well if I want to start off on a healthy start
that is, and I do).
The learning process has begun and is in full
swing!
I’m a do-er. I love to take care of others. I am there when someone
needs something. I love to help. What I don’t like is to be taken care
of. I don’t like to need someone to do something for me. I appreciate being
independent and able. When my angiogram was scheduled, I was grateful that Luba
is now here and would be there for the day with me. It’s expected in our
relationship and I’m learning to lean into that more. Then, I was told that I
could not drive home after the procedure. GULP. Luba is not yet driving, for
technical reasons with insurance and such. I had to figure out a ride home so I
scheduled that with a close friend. I hated asking but we’ve been friends for a
long time and I know we would help each other out whenever possible. Everything
was all set. Then, another friend was over for dinner and asked who was
dropping me off at the hospital. Panic started to rise. I had to be there for
check-in at 7am and I had not even thought of the obvious….if I drive there and
get a ride home, my car has to get home somehow. She immediately offered to
pick us up. Now, she is the most fabulous person ever. She’s just plain good
people. BUT, to me, she’s a “newer” friend. The history is not yet there as it
is with my other friend. It’s so easy but I was at a loss, frozen, as the offer
of assistance was floating in the air. Everything ran through my mind “She
works later which means she’s getting up and to work hours earlier than normal,
AND on a Monday for Heaven’s sake,” “She’s got a baby and husband, this is
inconvenient,” etc. “Freedom” and “vulnerability” flashed in my mind, and I
said “yes!” This was a very hard yes for me. My mind immediately then ran
through “payback” acts of service for her kindness. I felt a voice just say
“Stop” and “receive.”
Why is it so hard for me/us to accept kindness? I
am one who would drive someone else despite work schedules. I know it’s not inconvenient.
Why couldn’t I accept this? I had to fight the urge to keep to a simple “thank
you” without “payback.” I’m learning to accept blessings. This is part of the
year, and I can see the odds stacked up in learning’s favor already. There will
be many more moments.
It’s my goal to accept that people offer what they
want and what they would be happy to do for or be to us. I must let other’s
bless me.
Is it hard for you? Say “yes” and “thank you” and
move on. Try it.
Love,
Danielle
