Over a decade ago now, on Monday nights, I would slip away from the mayhem of four young kids. I would find a quiet table in my local Caribou Coffee shop, sip coffee and breathe. Caribou’s slogan is, “Life is short. Stay awake for it.” While coffee has kept me awake more times than I can count, I used that idea metaphorically in my word for this year: AWAKE.
I realize this is usually a New Year’s Day/January type post. However, my year has started at the end of August/beginning of September for as long as I can remember. I have been practicing AWAKE all through 2024. Now I’m ready to write about it. But instead of trying to explain first, let me share one of my playlist songs for this year to give you an idea:
My AWAKE motto this year is:
“Rising to meet my day (Ps. 57:8) and my goals (Eccl. 9:10) fully aware of God’s presence (Ps. 17:15), the people around me (Rom. 13:8), and my mission.”
…now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
Romans 13:11
Though I have certainly not done this perfectly, this awareness has caused me to better enjoy the gifts I have. Most of these gifts are the relationships I have. No, every moment has not been rosy, but I am focusing on the beautiful moments.
2024 is the year my husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary. He is the first one I think of when I play my “Awake” song. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for him.
I have also seen how quickly our children are growing up and moving forward in their lives. It is incredibly beautiful, but also bittersweet. We’ve had wonderful moments together, and I am trying to savor each one.
I have had so many other beautiful moments with friends, other family, and my precious Jesus. I am so thankful for all these gifts. A newer song I have added to my playlist says, “Life is a gift … I won’t let it slip out of my hands.” This is how I want to stay awake for this short life. Not just in 2024, but until the Lord calls me home.