Welcome to February! In my world, this is the last month of winter. In case you missed it, my word for the year is refine. For the next few weeks, I will update you on the four areas of refinement I have been working on this winter: soul, body, mind, and spirit. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find something inspirational in today’s post.
Note: My intent is not to discern between the actual definitions of soul and spirit. For these posts, “soul” refers to the refining of my spiritual life with God, and “spirit” refers to the refining of my life in the areas of recreation and creativity.
Fun
Creativity
The main creative project I have been working on is our church’s Easter Cantata. I have it written and reviewed by 3 theology authorities and the music compiled. My husband and I have had several introductory practice sessions together and with a few other members of our team. We have had choir sign-ups and the preview practice with them. Now the real work begins!
In January’s Creative Collab in my writer’s group, I submitted this poem. It was a quick write, but it kind of fits with my Refine goals:
“There’s nothing new under the sun.”
That’s what the Preacher said.
But in January I wonder if it’s true.
The month is new and so is the year.
The snow looks as fresh as the pages of my new planner.
My goals are written out, with the ink of my new pen.
But this is the 43rd time I have started a year
And the goals I made are familiar to me.
The snow came from the place it went before, continuously cycling.
When I begin to despair
Wondering why I should repeat more of the same,
Something new rises within.
Though familiar, all of life before is gone
Never to return
But tomorrow is a blank page.
Even if moments I encounter
Seem to have been here before,
I am not meeting this January the same.
All the Januarys have made me who I am
And though layers of me still are here,
This January, the new is me.
Inspiration and Key Question for Winter Spirit Refining:
Steve Henderson Art Print for Valentine’s Day
