As January opened, the new year and cold air promised snow. Snow, like other things, is fine in moderation. This time of year brings reflection and hope for the coming year. Hope for family, state, and country. No different than other times of the year except January closed with blizzard conditions.
Winter time colds, weather and things all over the map, and more than enough out there for one month. Some things in life are what I would consider in its own “duck is a duck” category. Like trying to thaw a frozen January field with ice water; results will be about the same.
This month and time of year reminded me of group performance review calibrations meant to ensure folks were on the same page in how they evaluated performance. Jobs, promotions, and future assignments were on the line. I tried to look at what folks brought to the table, what strengths to be celebrated and enhanced, and what weaknesses to be turned into strengths. In every situation, there were seeds of both. Inevitably, someone focused on the weaknesses, no matter the person. Duck is a duck - go looking for something specific, and you’ll find it.
It is the same with posts and words. Some will read and think one thing. Another will read it and immediately jump to something else or make assumptions. For every and there is a but, and for every but there is an and. I started with this in January because it isn’t about my words. It…
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
This section brings nothing new, but a look at the obvious and not
January started with the traditional yearly to-do list. Some people use this month to carry over things from last year, lay out the new year, and set timelines. There is a place for this, and it does help to see the path traveled and plans for the future. Time and experience have taught me to keep it simple and flexible. Plan for the absolute musts and pray for the plans. There are sure to be changes along the way. It won’t be a surprise if they were part of the plan.
Practical side of January - wind down from the holidays, wind up for the new year, stay warm and think of Spring. January’s quick internet to-do list:
Outdoor activities included whale watching and hiking - whale watching in the winter on the water doesn’t sound like my cup of tea
Indoor activities included museums and other local events - nothing new here
Productive and cozy listed activities related to wellness, fitness, organization, goal setting, baking, game night, and hot cocoa - not sure how these all go together, but not my list
Travel and nature listed parks and museums - included in the ones above
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Here's hoping that February will bring us more sunshine, warmer days, and all those good things we've been craving!
Isaiah is one of the best verses!! ❤️