‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,’Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.
2010 has been a very full year. We–and I include David, both of our extended families, and many other people close to us in this “we”–have been through a lot this year. Much of it has been life changing. Many of those changes have been incredibly good for us.
There have been weddings, graduations, births, deaths, mission calls, pregnancies, new jobs, moves, and more. We’ve lost dear friends and family members, added more wonderful members to our ever-increasing ranks, and created deeper bonds with those we’ve known and loved for years. Through it all, we’ve grown.
And as I face the prospect of a new year that will bring with it a new baby, a new job for David, and possibly a new home (depending on where employment takes us), I feel incredibly overwhelmed. The year hasn’t even begun and I’m already a bit stressed. So many decisions to make! So many changes on the horizon! So many unknowns!
As I’ve been trying to decide what the coming year’s word should be (see last year’s new year’s post or this one at Bloom for clarification) that old Shaker tune keeps rolling around in my head like a mantra. It is a gift to be simple and free. To be humble and unashamed. To be accepting and gracious and flexible and reverent and not get caught up in the tumult that could easily consume us.
So this coming year, I hope to come down where I ought to be. I hope to know what things I ought to turn so that I can eventually come ’round right.
My word for 2011 will be simplicity and I fully intend to enjoy my time in the valley of love and delight.
Happy new year, friends. May we all make it a beautiful one.
I like this word. I really and truly hope that you can keep this going through the craziness that June is going to be…you will be a much wiser first-time mother than I was. 🙂
That is where much of the impetus for this year's theme has come from. I know I will be overwhelmed with new parenthood…why make it more complicated than it needs to be?
Simplicity doesn't mean there isn't craziness. It just means we don't intentionally fill our lives with craziness. Those 2'0clock feedings, alone in the dark with a newborn are the most precious. Dad and I are embracing this mantra as well. You just say it more eloquently.
Precisely, Mom. I know things will get hectic. I just want to be sure I'm not adding to that in any way. Eliminate the unnecessary stresses. Throw out (or just don't acquire) stuff we don't need. Create as much peace for our family as possible. You and I will have to help keep each other on track!