Over the last few days, I have been thinking about my word for the year.  It’s so hard to limit myself to just one, with so many great word possibilities out there, but I find comfort in the fact that if I get a good handle on one word, I can take on a new one.  I was also thinking last night about something I did for a while many, many years ago.  I was in a very boring temp job just after graduating from college, and I felt like I was making any progress in life.  I started naming the days.  For example, I would rename Monday “Joy” and then my eyes were opened to all the sources of joy that came to me that day.  Another day, I named “Surprises” and since that’s where my focus was, I noticed some happy surprises throughout the day.  Remembering that I have named days before made naming a year a little less intimidating.  So, without further stalling, my word for 2010 is..

Gifts!

This word has so many lovely connotations for me:

• The gifts I see in others and how to encourage them
• The gifts God has given me and how to discover and us8e them more
• The gift each new day offers
• The many gifts God has given us in Christ, in his Word, and in a million other things large and small

There are lots of verses in the Bible that deal with gifts.  Check out Ephesians 2: 8-9:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works so that no one can boast.

This verse has been such an encouragement to me!  I believe it refers not only to the grace of salvation, but also that God’s grace is available to us to save us from whatever we need saving from–whether it’s a bad habit or a wrong way of thinking.  God’s free gift of grace enables us to overcome!

Here is another verse that I love that deals with the gifts God gives us.  See Ecclesiastes 5:19:

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is the gift of God.

The ability to enjoy what we have is a precious gift from God.  I am very excited about gifts today–maybe it’s carry over from Christmas, but I don’t think so.  I am beginning to envision myself, the people in my life, the coming days, the coming moments as bright and shiny wonders just waiting to be opened.

Is it just me, or do you ever find yourself receiving a gift that you absolutely love, and then saving it?  A few weeks before Christmas, I won the beautiful messenger bag (pictured left) from Sew Sweet Quilt Shop’s blog give-away.  It is a gorgeous bag–beautiful fabric, sturdy, with lots of interior and exterior pockets and a shoulde strap.  For the last few weeks, this bag has been sitting around the house, unused.  I’ve been admiring it, and contemplating how I will use it.  Finally, today, I took the plunge–I threw away an old bag (an old, very ripped, unattractive, plain black bag), and put my notebook and book I am studying in my fancy new messenger bag.  It gave me a lift to not just be admiring my treat bag, but using it as well.  Then, I got to thinking–how often do I hold something back, that I really, really love?

fur coat

Well, apparently, too often, because next I thought of this pretty, fluffy, faux-fur, off-white coat I received for Christmas four years ago.  I love this coat.  It makes me feel absolutely luxurious every time I put it on, and I don’t put it on nearly often enough.  I have probably worn it fewer than twenty times.  Why?  Because I’m saving it for a special occasion.  Because I don’t want to be overdressed.  Because I’m silly!  I did wear it once this winter (so far), and I got a lot of compliments on it.  Everyone thought it was a new coat, because no one had ever seen it before.  I am determined to begin to really use and enjoy the beautiful gifts that I have been given.  Everyone has heard the old saying about saving the good china for a special occasion and never having a chance to use it–well, I am going to apply that lesson to everything.  Why wait?

Finally, this year for Christmas, I received my very first ever digital camera–it’s small and red, and it tucks away perfectly in a compact camera case.  So, where is the camera?  That’s the problem–I keep putting it away.  Then, when I want to take a photo (which is often), I have to go dig it out of its hiding place.  Now, to increase my opportunities to use my new present, I am going to leave the camera out (I know I’m taking a clutter risk!), and possibly even take it with me everywhere!

There’s no reason to wait to enjoy a beautiful gift.  What have you got hidden away that might bring you some joy?

      Today, I am thinking about the simple pleasures that make an ordinary day better–and simple pleasures that are inexpensive.  I remember many years back, I had a good friend with small children at home.  A lady from our church gave this woman $50 to spend on herself for a day, and watched her children so that she was free to go enjoy her $50 adventure.  This friend was very unaccustomed to spending money on herself, and it was really interesting to me what she ended up buying:  a decorating magazine,  a double-dip ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins, a do-it-yourself hair color kit, and I don’t remember what else.  Nothing extravagant really–just things she enjoyed and didn’t normally have access to.  I think of this sometimes because I see having an enjoyable, “special” day without spending money as a type of creative challenge.  So, without the benefit of $50 from my fairy godmother, here’s my list of special joys for this Thursday.

1. A bubble bath this morning instead of a shower.
2. A good cup of coffee.
3. Having a nice conversation with an acquaintance and enjoying listening to someone else’s thoughts and ideas.
4. Buying just a few fresh groceries. (I must add here that while full-scale grocery shopping is exhausting, I enjoy a quick trip when I can just get a few things, look around a bit, not feel so rushed, and avoid spending much money.)
5. Reading a book for pure enjoyment.
6. Wearing a favorite item of clothing–for me it’s a peasant skirt in different brown solids and prints.  Everyone needs a favorite item of clothing!
7. A simple, but tasty dinner.  While at the grocery store, I picked up some chicken at the deli.  This was very easy to team with salads and baked potatoes.  Makes for a good meal, and a night off from cooking.
8. A few moments to love on your husband/kids.  I don’t have kids, but my husband was so tired after work that he ate a bit of supper and then put his head in my lap.  Some see receiving a massage as a luxury, and I agree, but being able to touch your husband and children is wonderful.  I gave my sweetie a head, neck, and back rub. 
9. Call someone–friend or relative that you don’t speak to very often, but who will be delighted to hear from you.
10. Pause for a moment and think of some specific things you are looking foward to–put them on the calendar.  If you can’t think of anything, plan something to look forward to!  I am looking foward to having some time off and taking some short day trips with family. 

More Ideas for $5 or Less:

1. A trip to the library or a bargain book.  I have been finding some good books–hardbacks even at Barnes & Noble for $4-$6.
2. An ice cream cone in your favorite flavor!  That’s a good inexpensive, summery treat.
3. A fun, new nail polish color.  I have blue on right now, and I want to find something more aqua-green to paint my toes.
4. A funny or encouraging greeting card to mail to a friend.
5.  Some fresh, seasonal fruit, or veggies from a farmer’s market.
6. A small bouquet of flowers to put in a vase on the kitchen table.
7. Scented lip balm with a high SPF.
8. Yankee Candle car scent–These come in a huge variety of scents and make your vehicle smell really good.  My husband gets “leather” scent,” while I am prone to fruity or cooking scents.
9. Take some pictures–go on a walk, take pictures of your yard, your family, friends, the inside of your house, your office, whatever you see and want to snap.
10. Take time to listen to your favorite music.  Then, if time allows, make a CD for yourself or a loved one.