LEITMOTIF/lite mow teef: A recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea or situation.

I keep a list of vocabulary words that I don't know.  The word leitmotif emerges, and its meaning intrigues me as I reflect at year's end. What are recurrent themes?

Chairs keep coming up. I like chairs and have many sitting in corners of my home, most with a comfortable pillow to cushion the back. I even had a dream recently that I was given a chair, and I loved it--wanted to sit right down and rejoice in its comfort. Perhaps chairs symbolize rest and contemplation--themes I go back to again and again. Seated in a quiet corner with a book or reading the Scriptures. Praying. Connecting with God. Listening. Tuning into Him, like one of those old radios. Twisting the dial through all the hissing static until I find a frequency with beautiful music or a program that resounds for the moment. Vintage concepts, I know. 

I think about the subject matter threaded through 2022 that I want to remember, want to keep for 2023--the beauty of God's presence, His constancy. His nearness. Seated with Him, enjoying Him. His mercy a sanctuary. His availability and ability to provide peace that transcends the world's chaos. His creativity to guide and Shepherd. His voice familiar and strong. "My sheep know my voice." His beauty. Even when there is misery and inexplicable suffering, pain and failure, there is His hand pulling me up, reassuring, warm and kind. "I lead you beside the quiet waters, take you to green pastures. Restore your soul." His grace my tether, my leitmotif for life.

May all your heart's desires manifest in 2023, your plans successful. Love and grace immeasurable. Rest and contemplation multiplied. God's peace your constant companion. Happy New Year.