My byword for 2009

T’was grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

Amazing Grace, a hymn 

 

Harmony helped set the tone for me in 2008. This year, I’ve chosen a related word: Grace.

 

Grace is one of those words with a multitude of definitions. Here are some commonly held meanings:

 

Grace

Noun

  1. Elegance and beauty of movement, form, or expression
  2. A pleasing or charming quality
  3. Courtesy or decency
  4. A delay granted for the completion of a task or payment of a debt
  5. The favor of God shown towards humankind
  6. A short prayer of thanks; gratitude

Verb

  1. To honor or favor
  2. To decorate or make more attractive

This word has special significance for me, within and beyond the confines of my childhood experiences. And for this coming year, I’ve broadened my interpretation even further. In all humbleness, I’ve reshaped it into a verb and a noun—an action plan and a state of being:

 

When my thoughts are in harmony with my highest ideals and aspirations; when my actions are in synch with the rhythmic order of the Universe; and when I conduct myself in a way that honors the Creator and all creation, I am living in a state of grace. May it be so—may I work every day to make it so—in 2009.

Photo Credit: Amazing Grace rose 
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41 Comments

  3. What a lovely word for the year.

    And a belated happy new year to you. My cold kept me from making all the rounds on new year’s eve but I wanted to tell you that throughout the last year I have been constantly uplifted by a post of yours or often, a comment you have made, not just on my blog but when reading someone elses blog.

    I already think of you as a woman filled with grace. I think 2009 will be wonderful for you with this word as your touchstone.

    • Happy New Year, Susan! I hope you’re feeling much better now, and that you’ll have a very healthy, joy-filled new year.

      I can’t respond to your sweet words without crying, so I’ll just say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

  6. Lovely word, lovely choice, for a lovely person.

    Hope 2009 is filled with grace for you, and that you continue to bring it to all of us who are lucky enough to share a little slice of life with you online.

    • What a kind thing to say, K. I’m very touched. And yes, I’d LOVE to meet up with you, too! Let’s get together for coffee sometime soon. How about Corner Bakery in the Tustin Marketplace? We can invite Cathy I. Wouldn’t that be fun?!?

    • Happy New Year, my dear friend. I’m working very hard on my mss, and I can’t wait until the time’s right to share it with you. (Let this be the year for WITNESS…) xoxo

  13. Grace – brings up so many images and feelings

    Great choice for your word this year =)

    it’s a peaceful and active word at the same time.

    You probably know the background of the hymn Amazing Grace
    Have you seen the movie – or listened to the soundtrack of it? I love it.

    Happy New Year!

    You bring grace to LJ-land =)

    • Re: Grace – brings up so many images and feelings

      I haven’t seen the movie or heard the soundtrack. Maybe I should buy it on DVD?

      Happy New Year to you, as well. Thank you for gracing my life with your friendship. xo

  14. I love “grace.” I think it’s a great word for 2009! And, I believe it fits you to a T.

    I am still looking for my word… it will come.

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