Monday, January 2, 2017

a word for the year

In some circles, it's popular at the beginning of the year to choose a word for the new year to focus on. A word that will challenge you, inspire you, awaken you to God. 

This morning on my run, I was praying about what that word might be for your thirteenth year and the word "Wonder" popped in my head. 

Maybe this is because it is a favorite book of mine (that you actually told me about years ago when we went to breakfast one morning at Third Place Books).  Maybe it is because it seems to be a great word to consider as you grow in your understanding of this wonderful world we live in and as you learn about the wonder and mystery of God. 

Nevertheless, it's the word that I thought of for you. Take it for what it's worth, but here are some quotes from the book to give you some food for thought in the new year. (I also decided to pull out some old favorites and share a few pictures of time with you from the last 4 years...) 

Here is Wikipedia's summary: 
"Wonder is a story about a 5th grade boy named August Pullman who has Treacher-Collins syndrome, a rare craniofacial deformality. Due to August's surgical needs and emotional struggles, he was home-schooled through the fourth grade. Succumbing to pressure from his parents, August agrees to attend Beecher Prep, a selective enrollment school where he was accepted. The novel follows the struggles and triumphs of August in his first school experience. There were misunderstandings and even isolation. Although he is kind of iffy about it, Auggie finally realizes who he truly is and who his real friends are."


“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.” 

“MR. BROWNE'S SEPTEMBER PRECEPT:

WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING
RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.” 



“Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.” 

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” 



“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.” 

“My mom smiled at me. Her smile kind of hugged me.” 

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” 

“Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle”
 
― J.M. Barrie quoted in Wonder 



“Learning who you are is what you're here to do.” 


“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.” 

“...your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of stone.” 









1 comment:

  1. such great memories i remember them like they were yesterday. Micah is laughing at the pic of me when I was 8. I am glad I got to recommend such a good book it is full of beautiful quotes. thanks for reminding me of them. Liam

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