It was quite a year for us – 2021 – and if we are not careful, 2022 will take on sourness as we groan over Covid still lingering with us, having to wear masks, argue over whether vaccinations work or they don’t….and half a dozen other “worldly” things that take our attention away from the enjoyment of every day life.

Don’t get me wrong….I realize all too well that those things take our focus sometimes. But I want to encourage you to step away from the ho-hum drum of life, the anxieties of things you may have missed out on while quarantining, and step back, breathe a fresh breath, and find joy….in THIS year’s journey. To do so, I wanted to step back in time to last year in my own life, and share with you a few things that make me want to enjoy THIS year to the full. And in doing so, I pray you will take a stroll through your own memories of 2021 and look ahead to this year with a new anticipation of joy.

We were blessed to have our children and grandchildren come for a visit last June. We hadn’t seen them in two years, so you can imagine at their young ages what a refreshment this was to us! During their visit, our old dog wouldn’t eat….until our granddaughter figured she could hand-feed him and he would nibble from her hands. The trick for her was getting his food from the can that was nearly as big as she was! No worries there…she found a way. And I laughed at the sight of her.

Back at their home, they kept the moods light as they mused….Covid keeps us quaranatined and you and daddy can’t go on that date? We’ve got you covered! At home theater! And again, I laugh.

We all need to find some joy, some laughter and some smiles with all that is happening around us these days. Perhaps, like me, you just need a moment to remember what makes your heart happy…

God’s glory displayed in the early morning sunrise as I walked out my front door…

Hikes with my hubby….

I pray each of us will step into a new rhythm this year. May God give you eyes to see, ears to listen and a heart to love your way through every day He gives you.

~Blessings,

Connie