My One Word for 2024: Savor
This month has held many ups and downs for me.
October 16th was the anniversary of my Dad's death. My uncle passed away on September 30, and my cousin was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 5th. I'm also undergoing tests for Parkinson's disease. So far, all test have come back good.
On the upside, I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family that time and distance had kept apart. I've also been inspired by my 86-year-old aunt coming to visit from Texas, and my daughter taking her 94-year-old grandmother to her first Illini football game.
I have witnessed lives and homes destroyed by hurricanes, along with the generosity of strangers who come together to help those in need.
October was also a month of celebration. chabad.org describes them as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah, first of the High Holidays, is the Jewish New Year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of G‑d as king.
- Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, when we fast, pray, seek forgiveness from G-d and our fellows, and come closer to G-d. It is the peak of the High Holidays.
- The seven days of Sukkot—celebrated by dwelling in the sukkah, taking the Four Kinds, and rejoicing—is the holiday when we expose ourselves to the elements in covered huts, commemorating G‑d's sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Four Kinds express our unity and our belief in G‑d’s omnipresence. Coming after the solemn High Holidays, it is a time of joy and happiness.
- Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, comes the happy holiday known as Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
From my Journal:
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalms 90:12 KJV
Barnes Notes on the Bible:
"God sees the end - the time, the manner, the circumstances in which life will close; and although he has wisely hidden that from us, yet he can enable us to act as if we saw it for ourselves; to have the same objects before us, and to make as much of life, "as if" we saw when and how it would close. If anyone knew when, and where, and how he was to die, it might be presumed that this would exert an important influence on him in forming his plans, and on his general manner of life. The prayer is, that God would enable us to act "as if" we had such a view."
I watched an inspiring walking tour of Jerusalem as it prepared for the Feast of Tabernacles. Temporary huts called sukkot were being built, symbolizing God's faithfulness in providing and protecting His people. Throughout neighborhoods and along the streets, I saw these structures being constructed. It was truly remarkable to witness how, despite the chaos and challenges of war, they continued to embrace and celebrate this harvest tradition.
The sukkah teaches Jews that "nothing in life is permanent, so the key is living life properly." —the Lookstein center at Bar-lian University
Bible Verses
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 AMP
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-6
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Quotes:
I wish for a world where people understand that life is short. So today's the time to do big things. — Robin S. Sharma
I want to tell everybody to celebrate every day, to savor the day and be good to yourself, love yourself, and then you can be good to others and be of service to others.—Charlotte Rae
Action Plan
Savor time with family and friends— These last couple of years have shown me this: you never know if this is the last time you will get a chance to be with someone.
Rest in His presence and allow Him to heal my grief and sorrow.
Discoveries Along the Way
I have become very comfortable and kind of set in my ways. I've gradually shunned my "Sassy Sixties" mandate and adopted "Sedate Sixties". However it's not too late, I still have 4 years left of my sixties!
God never leaves or forsakes me. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Through blood tests, MRIs, and brain scans, He is with me every step of the way. He already knows the outcome and has plans for my future.
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering. Jeremiah 29:11 Contemporary English Version
Highlights and Review
Celebrating Family
How is you enjoying your Word of the Year so far? I hope you are savoring it.
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1 comment
I’m sorry that October was such a grief-filled month for you with more deaths and the anniversary of your dad’s death. :( That’s the way my Novembers are. I just got back home from the hospital room of my uncle, who will likely die overnight. It’s so hard.
But yes, lots of good things happen too. I want to savor those even more in the midst of the hard times. Thanks for your encouragement to do that.