The lights are going out everywhere.
Decorations put away for another year.
Brightness losing to grey and gloom.
But what if we deliberately make room for it?
With ‘listen’ being my #oneword365, I aim to use all of my senses more fully.
And as a personal writing challenge this year, I am starting with 31 days of being more mindful.
Notice normal.
Find ordinary extraordinary.
Turn away from doom and drear.
Let my interest in life burn bright and clear.
See God’s goodness and grace all over the place.
Savour the flavour of life ‘As Is’ in a way I may not have done before.
It began on January 1st with this #smallstone offering:
And it has continued since as I’ve shared them on social media. Not aiming for perfection ~ just attention to detail ~ I will share some of them here with you too.
Today’s poem came from reflecting on the change of season and end of Christmas/New Year celebrations.
Maybe I can encourage and inspire you to actively listen to your life and find greater joy and discovery in the everyday? I hope so.
‘Evergreen’
Embracing a new year
means that Christmas decorations
tend to disappear
and all its celebrations
are at an end
Though God’s Light
is not suspended
but shining bright and clear
it remains to comfort and to cheer
Burning evergreen in our souls
perfect for every season
it is the very reason
we are healed, restored, made whole
throughout the year
as it leads, guides and directs
our pathways here
©JoyLenton2014
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy, I was just thinking that “Evergreen” would be an excellent verse for a greeting card. I am going to try to be more present in reading my favorite writers. You are one of them, as well as one of my special newer friends. How our horizons have broadened this year. Isn’t it amazing? God is so good. Love, Debby XxOo
Do you think so? I may have to research that area..hmm..food for thought. It’s a great honour to be included in your list of favourites! Thank you. Yes, Debby, it’s been quite a year hasn’t it? We have been tried and tested, stretched and blessed enormously. God has gifted us with much to be thankful for. I’m really pleased and grateful we’ve been able to maintain our friendship through all the ups and downs. Blessings and love 🙂 Xx
A lovely reminder of how god is ever present and His light is our guiding light through all the season of the years , truly a lovely word here Joy – thank you for sharing your gift with us .
Indeed it is, Maxine! Thank you for sharing your thoughts here, my friend. It’s always lovely to see you! Blessings 🙂 x
Beautiful Joy! God’s evergreen Love is PERFECT! for every season 🙂 Glad to be back reading such encouraging words to tuck away in my heart! God bless you my friend, appreciate you.
Yes, Kathy, God’s love is constant and unconditional, perfect all year round! It’s lovely to see you back in the writing community. You have been missed! I look forward to reading your words soon. They always bless my soul. And I appreciate you too, my friend. Blessings and love 🙂 xx
God’s light, (love) is the light that never dims.
Matthew 5:16 King James Version (KJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I enjoyed your beautiful poem.
Yes, God’s love really is “the light that never dims”! Thank you for stopping by, Nells. I am blessed by your visit. 🙂 x
We truly need to be more mindful of keeping alive the beautiful & light, the Christ and his gifts as a day to day experience ~ Gorgeous post Joy! Faithfully Debbie
Dear Debbie, I couldn’t have said it better! You always manage to leave a sweet savour when you visit, my friend. Blessings 🙂 x