“…So the doctor recommended B-12 shots,” my friends explained. “Hopefully they’ll do the trick. I’m so tired of being tired!!”
Got me to thinking. Some days I’ve had to drag my spirit around. Discouragement, hurts, and concerns weigh me down. Maybe what I need are some spiritual B-12 shots.
“B” might stand for beauty. Something lovely and joy-inspiring is always energizing.
And the number twelve might stand for the twelve months of the year.
So what beauties are there to behold each month that would foster joy? Here in Florida, the change of seasons is subtle, not offering as much variety as climate zones to the north. But there are other splendors in which to delight.
January: The fresh start of a new year, the reorganizing (after all the decorations are put away) that provides satisfaction in tidiness and motivation for productivity!
February: I love our annual Festival of Choirs. A number of church choirs come together, provide two selections of their own, and then everyone joins together for several rousing anthems. It’s a taste of heaven to hear 200-plus voices unite in praise!
March: Such glorious weather we enjoy–the low humidity, balmy temperatures, and clear skies. Migrating birds passing through the area give us occasional glimpses of rare species. One year a small flock of indigo buntings pecked about in our backyard. Such intense blue I had never seen!
April: I love the euphoria of Easter morning! He is risen indeed!
May: Roadways clear after the Snowbirds go home, and driving becomes less stressful. However, there are a number of Northern friends we’d love to keep with us here!
June: The schedule slows down as the summer warms up. The slower pace is most welcome—at least for a while.
July: I love the patriotism that comes to the forefront as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. “The Star Spangled Banner” still stirs pride and gratitude in my heart.
August: The best time to visit the old-fashioned ice cream shop in town. Such delightful flavors to choose from! And a hot August day only augments the pleasure.
September: Rehearsals begin for Christmas. This is one of the reasons I love to sing in choirs and ensembles. We get to enjoy the music of Christmas for three months instead of three weeks!
October: The weather begins to cool a bit, renewing energy. And while many northerners enjoy hillsides of fall foliage, we Floridians have our golden rain trees.
November: Right after Thanksgiving Steve and I decorate for Christmas. I love unpacking the decorations, many of them given to us by family and friends. Memories of times past bubble merrily in my heart as I arrange the crèches, angels, candles, and bows.
December: Oh, how glorious to end the year with a crescendo of music, camaraderie, secrets, surprises, and worship. Christmas would not be complete without the Christmas Eve candlelight service.
Beautiful moments through all twelve months of the year. B-12 shots of joy.
What are your favorite B-12 shots?
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing a pleasing cadence to the year. As one month flows into the next, your goodness is on display. Thank you for those events and experiences that come at expected times, providing rhythm, delight, and comfort to our lives.
From the Inside Out 
My sister writes the ‘Magic Report’ – intentionally noticing beauty and passing it on by posting on her blog or facebook.
Love you definition of B12!!
We do have to be intentional to notice the beauty around us. I’ll have to visit your sister’s blog.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the new take on B-12!
This is her blog – http://angelictroublemaker.wordpress.com/ sadly the magic report is no longer posted up on her blog, only on Facebook but you can check out some of her older posts.
Genius! While I don’t take the ‘real’ B-12 shots I can definitely begin the new year with looking for glimpses of beauty in everything. Case in point: Last Saturday Mom took my 90-year-old Dad for his haircut across town. It is quite an ordeal getting him in and out of the car, into the barber shop, into the chair. Two guys came out to help him inside. Afterwards, the girl that cuts his hair said that from now own she will come to Mom and Dad’s home to cut Dad’s hair. She said she lives out our way and it is no trouble. People can really be wonderful! We are truly blessed and thankful for this wonderful woman and her selflessness! That was a BEAUTIFUL way for the new year to begin. A beautiful solution found in the midst of a problem. And, regarding that same visit…While she was trimming Dad’s hair she noticed hair growing about 1/2 inch long on top of his head. She asked if she should shave it off and Mom said to go ahead. Then Dad piped up and said NO! Leave it, please! He hasn’t had hair on top since his late 20’s and now he’s 90. Good for Dad! Losing eyesight, mobility, but KEEPING WHATEVER HAIR HE CAN GROW! LOL! While I mourn the declining health of my Dad the Lord Himself provides ‘Beauty for Ashes’ with beautiful moments to remember and oil to soothe my sometimes wounded spirit. Isaiah 61:3.
Thank you for your delightful comments, Cheri. Your dad still has his sense of humor, doesn’t he. Still very sharp.
‘Love your closing sentence, too. So true.
Here on my hill in rural Oklahoma, I enjoy beautiful sunsets and an amazing night sky loaded with stars. But my favorite beautiful moments would be witnessing unexpected acts of kindness when someone takes time to forget their own needs or schedule to focus on the needs of others! Beautiful post Nancy!
An excellent addition to our list of B-12 shots, Tresa! ‘Delighted you found the post meaningful.
I love this, Nancy. I shall have to ponder what my B-12’s would be. Right now, I suppose I forget to see how beautiful the bay is out my living room windows even in the rain. The grey skies, whitecaps, and birds battling the winds make me feel toasty and blessed as I sit by the fire and watch out my windows. Thank you for the reminder to choose to see beauty. Grace and peace to you!
Your view sounds heavenly. I am graced and peaceful just imagining a cozy place by the fire–with a cup of rich coffee! Oh. And an enticing book to read. NOW we’re talking about a beautiful moment!! Thank you for the lovely word picture, Rebeca.