Walking Into The New Year

thoughts on everyday moments and finding love right where we are | January Newsletter

Welcome to Walk & Talk, my monthly newsletter to share stories, inspiration, and hope. I’m Kim Knowle-Zeller, mama, pastor, and writer. I’ve lived in West Africa and one summer hiked 500 miles across Spain, and now I call Cole Camp, MO home with my husband, two children, and dog. I love to walk, talk, and share stories. Thanks for being here!

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Dear Friend, 

Today my kids head back to school after over two weeks off. The days are a holy blur of meals, laughter, books, breaking up arguments, coloring, movies, and simply being together. The week between Christmas and New Years always feels spacious with everyone home. When we’re all healthy (praise God for that this year) the week is a true joy with lazy mornings in pajamas, hot chocolate and coffee throughout the day, and impromptu playdates with friends. 

Over the last two weeks, ideas swirled in my head about what to write for this month’s newsletter. I love this space to connect with you, to peel back the curtain about our life and share how God is at work. And then in return, to hear from you about the stirrings of your heart. 

I thought about telling you more about the car dance parties we have where we all raise our hands to Pentatonix or how Charlotte will sit next to me in the passenger seat while we drive around town and I wonder how she got so big. I have notes written that I could share with you about the zip line we got for Christmas and the joy our kids and their friends have had sliding through our yard. Or the coffee conversations I’ve had with friends while our kids run and play. There’s also the joy I found in sitting in the front pew this Christmas Eve next to friends watching the kids tell the story of Jesus’ birth and how Charlotte held the candle this year and we prayed for family and friends to know God’s light. I could tell you about writing Christmas cards and Charlotte sitting next to me for all of them and what a dream it is to have her love the act of letter writing as much as I do. I could share the magic of Santa and reindeer and Blitzen stepping on Isaac’s Christmas gift as he excitedly ate reindeer chow in our yard. I could tell you about the cat and how much sweetness she’s brought to our lives. 

So many stories.
So many glimpses of grace.
So many moments infused with love.  

And maybe that’s just where I leave you this month — with the reminder that our days are made of moments where God’s presence meets us. Moments where we feel heaven come to earth. Moments where we love and are loved in return. And it’s not to say this past week (or this past year) has been without challenges or anxiety. But it’s about choosing where to focus my gaze. 

At the start of a new year and a new day, may you turn to the people before you. May you listen to the sound of your own breath. May you love and know love in return. May you hear God’s voice call you a beloved child. May you delight in this one precious life, a life cradled in God’s hand. 

“Blessed are we when we see love, 
at long last, 
in every small and tender thing, 
stealing into our world
to change us all. 

-Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, The Lives We Actually Have

A few of my favorite things

If you love to read what others are reading, here’s my best of books from last year! I’m always up for a new book recommendation, so send yours my way.

I recently discovered

Sarah Miller

and her Can We Read posts full of great books to read with your family.

Last month’s Walking Diary was one not to miss. Read Jordan’s walk in Bethlehem.

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The cat update no-one asked for

Sherlock is settling in nicely with our family. A few days after Christmas she officially moved out of the garage into the house. She enjoys chasing toys, finding every patch of sunlight, swatting at the dog, and joining us on the couch to read books and watch movies. Charlotte can’t stop picking her up. Lars, our dog, can’t stop following her around. I have a new companion to keep me company during writing. Somehow, she’s taken all our hearts.

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A Blessing for Walking in the New Year

You are here
however you got to this point —
maybe by sprint or crawl
limping, or in pain
with hope and joy
the beginning welcomes you.

This beginning welcomes you —
to remember the people who walked with you
the places you've been
wins and celebrations
sleepless nights
moments where time stood still
missteps and hard-earned lessons.

This beginning invites you to see — 
a slant of light streaming through the window
a child’s bedhead and sleepy eyes
sticky fingers and flour-dusted counters
living room dance parties.

This beginning revels in the moments —
rocking your babies
shuttling to practices
helping with homework
reading books on the couch.

When you’re here, 
give thanks for your hands 
for all they have held and carried
soothed and nurtured
for the food chopped
and the toys picked up 
for backs massaged
for peace given with a single touch. 

When you’re here, 
give thanks for your feet
for the games of hide-and-seek
the halls paced
walks around the park 
visits to and from doctor’s offices. 

The new year beckons
and invites you forward in hope
with open hands and heart
daring you to dream.

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So grateful for you, friend! I’ll be back in your inboxes the first Wednesday in February!

P.S. I have a favor for those of you who have read The Beauty of Motherhood. Would you be willing to write an Amazon review? They are so helpful for getting others to know about our book! Anyone can review on Amazon whether you’ve bought the book from them or not. Thank you!