One Word

A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the One Word idea. Instead of a New Year’s resolution (which quickly falls by the wayside), you pick a word as a focus and guide for the upcoming year. My choice of word usually offers multiple meanings and uses in different contexts. My first two words were release and leap. Those years, 2018 and 2019, brought a number of moments requiring my letting go of different things and situations, as well as needing to take leaps of faith and move forward.

For 2020 I picked the word “Stand”. My thoughts were along the lines of standing on principle and conviction, with others or alone, in the mess, with the questions and unknowing, and so many other connections. At the beginning of last year I decided to stand and plant my feet (to borrow a phrase) with a new community in a time of transition and struggle, marking an official joining in early July.

At the end of last January I spent some fun time standing in lines at Disneyland, the longest one being the line for the new ride Rise of the Resistance. Little did we know then that in a matter of a few weeks we would be standing lines to buy groceries as a result of the pandemic forcing restrictions in occupancy limits for public spaces, or those taking active stands to see that neighbors didn’t go hungry as people lost their jobs.

Nor did we know that many of us would be symbolically standing with each other, especially the vulnerable due to age or health issues, by wearing masks and standing at least 6 feet apart for 9 months and counting. Not to mention the thousands upon thousands, maybe millions, who stood with our siblings of color by attending protests, engaging in hard conversations, reading and learning, supporting organizations through donations and purchase. And of course, the millions who took a stand for what they felt was important in our national, state, and local elections.

So now that we are done with what feels like a truly unprecedented year, I’m turning to a year that might be filled with WONDER. The Church year starts with Advent, either the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday of December. This Advent more than those in the past has brought much wondering as the beginning of the liturgical and the end of the secular calendars overlap. Wonder at the relief that a change in leadership is about to bring, wondering with the apocalyptic year we just finished will have indeed shown us what is truly of value, and how we will all emerge from this experience. What has become dear to us as a country, as a body of very diverse individuals? Closer to home I wonder about the new time that is about to unfold with a new pastor starting a month from today. I wonder when I’ll get to see my mom again and our oldest who is no longer in the area. When will it be safe to hug my friends again and have them at my dining table?

And of course, there are the big questions that are endlessly wondered about…purpose, place, the cosmos, the detail of the tiny flowers that bloom in the moss, those coincidences that make one take notice, that connect the dots. Can we wonder in creative ways to find solutions to what ails us personally and as a people? Can we wonder openly and with trust, with those we see on the “other” side of our lines so we can begin to bridge our divides? Can we wonder in awe at being alive on a microscopic bit of dust spinning in this massive universe, surrounded by billions and billions of lights?

What are you WONDERing about…the worried wonders and those that leave you speechless?

What word is speaking to you for 2021 as a focal point and guide?

Blessings for a year filled with WONDER-ful conversations, imaginings, questions to live, curiosities to try and explore, and blessings to move you, if you are able, to action towards those wondering how to feed, house, and care for their loved ones.