News Trend Empty Vessel|Actual

"The empty vessel makes the loudest sound." - William Shakespeare

^ For my Christmas gift to myself this year, I decided to whip up a freshly styled cabinet full of  drinking glasses.

^ I treated myself to these copper mugs last year, so it's only fitting that they served as my inspiration for this year's indulgence.

^ Working off the copper theme, I couldn't resist the copper-colored flutes that will rock my morning orange juice. Also, those handmade babies of recycled glass, each one slightly wonky in its own way, really make my day.

 ^ The classic French tumblers in large and small were already in my inventory; I just rounded each set out to a full six. And the white mugs are tried and true basics that match my basic white dinnerware. Needed to happen.

^ My humble collection of six wine glasses grew to a respectable twelve. Still, I saved all my wonky leftovers from other sets so that goblet-loving guests can choose between standard or custom models.

^ My upgraded collection of empty vessels is mostly practical and pleasing, at least to my eye. Best of all, I can just imagine my mother - a longstanding lover of matching glassware sets - beaming down from heaven and saying, "It's about time."

* * * * *

My 2016 New Year's resolution rocked it out.

Well. It wasn't so much of a typical resolution to do this or not to that. It was more of a philosophy for living and it served me well.

No Day But Today.

My goal for the year was to seize the day. I'm at a point in my life where I'm no longer willing to put any of my hopes and dreams on a back burner and patiently wait for the time to be "right," whatever that means.

As of January 1, 2016, I was all about taking life by the cojones and running with it.

And yes, that resolution inspired me to

make some changes,

get a lot of projects done, and

push myself just a little bit harder to be the person I want to be.

But here's what I noticed. The biggest and bestest parts of my year were the moments when I stepped into extravagant opportunities that were handed to me entirely unexpectedly:

Accepting an invitation to visit newfound friends in Cuba.

Reconnecting with my mom's dearest friends after her death.

Reaching out to a family in a dark place and finding that they bring me beautiful light.

Discovering that I have a new half-brother and embracing that relationship.

I realized that my 2016 mantra limited me to the ideas and possibilities that I can see for myself.

But the best stuff happens when I let God open doors for me, and I simply step through.

I've got to hand it to God. His plans for me are far more elaborate than my own.

So this year, I'm taking myself out of the equation. Rather than relying on my own wits and cleverness to expand my life, I'm going to, as the expression goes, let go and let God.

My 2017 mantra - Empty Vessel - reminds me to keep myself out of the way, and invites God to take me wherever he dares me to go.

I cannot wait to see what happens.