I Want Peace for My Birthday

When God speaks through another person.

After spending most of January in Uruguay, South America, I’m home and acclimating to a new year, a new presidency, and a new perspective.

Christmas decorations are yet to be taken down and stored away for next year.

Typically, by now, I have my one word for the year, a list of thoughts and ideas for my vocational journey in the new year, and a review of the previous year etched in my journal.

But not this year.

This year is different.

I admit I am trying to do things the way I’ve always done them—in a high-functioning way—but it seems that way isn’t working anymore.

I’m not bouncing back like before.

In response, I am listening more closely than usual—to God, my body, my husband and children, and friends who love me.

I’m saying no when I want to say yes.

I’m taking naps when I want to get things done.

I’m exercising in more restful pursuits and interested in finishing projects instead of starting new ones.

I Want Peace

One beautiful Sunday afternoon, I stood at a typical Uruguayan asado, talking to two sisters.

Their fluency in English allowed us to hold beautiful conversations together.

We were sharing stories of the heart like women tend to do when one of the sisters, Cristina, spoke one sentence that unearthed my unspoken inside. When asked by her family of origin what she wanted for her birthday, she said:

I want peace for my birthday.