My STAR word this year was Pleasure. I’ve reflected on it here and here.

What’s not to love about pleasure, right? It’s been a good word. I had a good life before I drew the word, but I recognize I was more intentional about noticing pleasure in random moments of my life this year. I intend to carry that with me in 2015, no matter which word chooses me.

In the past, my STAR words seemed to direct my year. Because of PRACTICE, I started being more intentional about playing my cello. Because of ADVENTURE, I started belly dancing.

Because of the word PLEASURE, I kept up with both of those activities and appreciated them in new ways.

My experience with PLEASURE, though, was different than the previous years. It didn’t direct my year as much as it helped me respond to what happened in my life this year.

If you’re a regular reader, you know that this was the year Washington State opened their birth records and I found my birth family. (To read about my search for my birth family, read here and here and here and here and here and here. ) It has not, uniformly, been an experience of pleasure. There was also rejection, and doors that just weren’t ready to be opened. (Perhaps when a door has been locked for 46 years, one can imagine it might stick and take a while to work loose).

But the pleasure in finally seeing pictures of my birth parents! I can’t even describe what a blessing it has been to see my face reflected in other people, and to see resemblances in my children and strangers who are now family.

Meeting my sister and some of her family was a weekend of pleasure, and laughter, and sacred silence, and all gift.

So, my STAR word didn’t lead me to discover my birth family, but when pandora’s box was opened, I’m grateful PLEASURE was my guiding word.

Reflecting back on 2014, I see pleasure in so many places.

Spring Break trip to Central Europe with Alden….

Lots of great times with good friends and colleagues at church meetings and study leave events.

Great time with family who gathered for Alden’s graduation and then family vacation to the lake and Glacier National Park.

So much pleasure at church this year, especially the Sabbath services. Taking the time for fellowship and to just enjoy each other’s presence has been great. It is such a privilege to pastor this congregation.

And then the pleasure that came from the joy of long awaited marriage equality in Boise. Here’s a collection of images from that day. But this might be my favorite:

Where did you find pleasure in 2014?

If you had a word this year, how has it worked in your life?

Thank you for being companions on this journey. Looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store.