Margaret at Reflections on the Teche is hosting our first Thursday Spiritual Journey posts with a call to share our OLW for 2025. She selected this beautiful waterfall photo to accompany our 2025 writing journeys.
One of the challenges of choosing a OLW involves looking back at the previous year's word. I kept "gather "for a 2nd year since 2023 became a wild ride when we decided to follow our daughter and family in a move from Washington state to North Carolina. Suddenly, I found myself purging once again (not gathering) in preparation for a move to a smaller space. I kept the same poem I had written in 2023 with the addition of one line for 2024.
What Will I Gather in 2024?
Words, Moments, Stories
Wonders, Revels, Enchantments
Photos, Empty Boxes, Loose Ends
Friends, Loved Ones, Ancestors
Hope, Goodness, Faith
Laughter, Love, Light
- Ramona Behnke
What did I manage to gather in 2024?
I gathered with the UT grands in March (after Roots Tech), in July for Teddy's baptism, in September (after the Restore conference) and in November for Thanksgiving.
I gathered with a group of friends in Utah to attend the Faith Matters: Restore conference in September.
I gathered coats for our friends in western NC after Hurricane Helene.
I gathered supplies for gift bags for preschoolers whose parents are attending English classes at New Arrivals Institute.
I gathered photos of mushrooms (delighted each time I spotted a new variety), the glorious hues of fall, and the sky (ever a favorite)!
But my very favorite photo gathering has to be the grands. I revel in the enchantments and wonders they bring to my life.
Standing on the cusp of 2025, unsure of what lies ahead,
I choose to gather hope, goodness, and faith.
Surely laughter, love, and light will follow!
It's time to unveil my OLW for 2025:
Shortest word I've ever chosen.
Drum roll, please . . .
Cue the confetti!
My word is
BE.
- Ramona Behnke
For more on why I chose "be", stay tuned for a future blog post.
How wonderful! "Be" is similar to still. I look forward to learning lessons from your be-ing. How do you like your move to NC? My husband wants to start spending time in NC and look for a retirement place. We aim to rent a place there this summer. I'll write you off the blog for any recs you might have. Happy New Year, Ramona!
ReplyDeleteRamona: Your year has certainly been busy and full of new vistas. I agree that BE is a great word for the year ahead. May it be good to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a year for gathering in so many different ways. Wishing you lots of laughter, love, and light in 2025!
ReplyDeleteGreat word! Hope it's a wonderful year! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your word, "gather", Ramona, & the serendipity of it during these recent years for you seemed prophetic, doesn't it! Now, settling in, "Be", with those grands, loving all that comes to you, wonderful! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteRamona, gather serves you well for 2 years. Be is a very positive word that I chose as my 2022 word. I find it soothing when my being is low on fuel or aching. To "Just Be" in the presence of your little ones is a true joy. I think you are ready to explore your new word and what it offers. May your January fill your heart with more gathering and love, light, and laughter.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! The word "be" can take you so many places... I hope you enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief to step back from all the New Year's hype of BECOME and just...BE.
ReplyDeleteRamona: Your life has been busy and full. I hope BE will bless you with beautiful times with grandbabes.
ReplyDeleteRamona, I love BE as a word to carry through the year. Such a wonderful reminder of presence -- our own, those we love, those who love us. Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete"Be" is elegantly simple and wonderful.
ReplyDelete"Laughter, love, and light" for the win, Ramona! BE...in the moment appreciating all life holds. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHow enchanting (!) to BE after all this gathering. May you revel in your Be-ing...you are a wonder! xo
ReplyDelete