My word for 2024: savor

Savoring Life in General

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It took me longer than usual to find my word for 2024. It was a few days before the New Year when I asked God to reveal it. By the time the “ball dropped,” it came to me: SAVOR. Was it an ad for a restaurant (we do have a breakfast place by that name in Wilmington) that brought it to mind? Maybe it was a devotional. I don't remember. But what I do recall was an “ahhhhh, yes—that’s it”!

Lately, I've noticed I'm slowing down. I think it's part of the normal process of aging. I can't multi-task anymore. I have a need to accomplish my tasks one by one, not three at one time. Normally, that would stress me, but lately, I'm enjoying that ‘one thing’ I’m working on at the time. There’s a calm in my day, and a spring in my step. It's a joy to accomplish those tasks because I don't feel pressed or rushed. Partly because I've learned to space out my appointments, tasks and errands. I try not to be out around the town more than once a day—or once every two days.

Savor the Moments

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But I'm not just talking about slowing down, although that's a key element in SAVORing life. It's also WHAT I'm savoring.

• A good book I can savor—a chapter at a time.
• A parking spot—near the shopping cart corral.
• A great latte (made by yours truly)—rich and creamy.
• A gorgeous sunset—from my back porch.

But it's not only the everyday things I can savor. What about the blessings God brings my way? There are SO many!

Savor the Goodness of God

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These are a few things I’ve  relished (savored) lately:

• Needing a specific verse for my newsletter, and voilà—I found it in my nightly devotional. Thank you, Lord!
• Having so many writing tasks pressuring me, with little energy that day. Miraculously, I'm able to accomplish not only what I needed to that day, but so much more. The energizer bunny has arrived! You are amazing, God!
• Little confidence in myself as I go through my book coaching certification. Along the way, I have a fantastic connection with my student, and discover the same points I determined she needed to work on in her novel were pointed out by her agent. You are so good to me, Jesus!

At times, I find myself jumping up and down (on the inside—my knees can no longer ‘jump’) when I experience a God moment. My smile is a mile-long and I savor this God moment, sometimes penning it in my journal.

Savoring Relationships

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This is something I'm convinced we don't do enough of. It's easy to take a friendship for granted, especially if the friend has been a part of your life for a very long time. Bask in the goodness of that relationship and SAVOR it!

There's nothing like a good friend who. . .
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• Loves you despite your flaws
• Wants to spend time with you
• Prays for you when life is tough
• Encourages you when you don't feel worthy 
• Lends a listening ear

​You can also remember to BE that kind of friend for others. So many are looking for a true friend.

I hope this post has inspired you to slow down and savor YOUR moments. When they come, drink them in. Relish them. And most importantly, thank God for them!

Who or what are you savoring today?? Have you picked a word for 2024? Let me know in the comments below!