The Color We Bring
Welcoming a New Year of Life
The birds were singing louder this morning, as if they, too, were wondering when spring would arrive. It is my 44th birthday, and as I sit in the quiet of the morning, wrapped in the simple beauty of an unplanned day, I find myself reflecting on life, presence, and the unexpected beauty in simply being.
Finding Color in the Gray Seasons of Life
I love that in the starkness of winter, when the trees stand bare, I can see the bright red feathers perched on a branch. So beautiful against the unadorned landscape.
Sometimes, I wonder if that’s us. Life can feel colorless, gray, monotonous. But at some point, the color of our feathers shows up, and they bring hope—a vibrancy to an environment that doesn’t feel alive. And yet, we find it somewhere in ourselves, deep down, a reason to sing. It begins with a small chirp, a little Are you there?—a whisper of hope. And every day, it grows.
For we are always learning, always growing, always becoming.
Embracing the Beauty of Who We Are
Do we not see how beautiful we are against the dull landscapes of our lives? In all of our comings and goings, do we forget that it is our quirks, our essence, that bring the color? The uniqueness of who we are is the vibrancy that catches the gaze and reminds us:
There is art here. There is beauty. There is growth. There is hardship. There is wonder. There is hope.
The Unexpected Gifts of an Unplanned Birthday
I worried that, without plans for the day, I would feel sad. That without a filled schedule, I would feel less celebrated. But the truth is, in a life so busy with running here and there, I am overjoyed with some respite—to sit in the warmth of my children’s presence as they wish me happy birthday and make homemade cards.
As I watch my oldest son step up (because Dad is away) and make me a cheesecake from scratch, I feel loved. As my middle one, so full of energy, asks, What are we doing? and rattles off idea after idea, I am reminded of how much he is like me—his gift to make sure there is always fun involved, with a touch of anxiety, needing to know what comes next. My sweet girl sets out flowers that Dad left for her to present and snuggles under the blanket with me. I write, she reads, and our toes touch. I whisper thanks for an affectionate one who still loves to snuggle.
Just after midnight last night, my oldest—off at school—sent me birthday wishes, and I smiled. Her texts bring me joy. Her life is different now, but I remember that time in my own life—that feeling of missing and loving my mom so much once I was away for the first time.
Letting Go of the Pressure to Get It All Right
I am always wondering if I am on the right path, if I am making the right decisions for my family, for my passions, for what I have to offer the world. But when I step back and remember that it’s not about me, the pressure releases. And I am simply thankful for every and any day I get.
I pray that the simplest pleasures and interactions will lift me through the times that are hard. And that in those hard times, the growth and learning will make it all worth it. And when I step off path or falter, I want to remember that it does not mean I am loved any less. Because God doesn’t work like that. And may I remember not to work like that either.
A Prayer for the Year Ahead
Where striving ceases, let grace abound.
I don’t know what this year will bring. But I pray it feels like blue water rushing in an abundant river of flow—clean, fresh, and rejuvenating. I pray it makes me feel like I can breathe.
For art and beauty leave us no choice but to bask in the glory of their energy.
Let creativity be the waves that touch my weary feet and keep them dancing—because dancing always makes me smile from the inside out.
Questions for Reflection
How do you see beauty showing up in your own life?
What are the cardinals among the gray?
If this resonates with you and it might inspire someone else, please feel free to share!
Sending you love, hope, light…and color.
XO,
Jenna
