Hygge (“HUE-gah”)

Image by Jo Kneale from Pinterest. howtohyggethebritishway.com 

Year 6-Day 16: Today, I am grateful for the Danish art of living hyggely. 

There is nothing like stumbling onto something that strikes a perfect chord in your heart. That was how I felt when I discovered this image from Jo Kneale. She wrote "How to Hygge The British Way". (Check her out at the website or look for her book.)

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “HUE-gah”) is a way of living, creating and intentionally planning to make this year better than the previous one.  There are many ways to describe hygge. In a nutshell, it simply the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness.

My one little word for the year is savor. Hygge is savoring life in every season, but it is not accidental. Intentionally living to be completely present in the present moment.

Put away the cell phones and enjoy the company. Leave fairy lights up in unexpected places to continue winter's sparkle after the holiday. Looking outside to take in a moment of the snow sparkling like diamonds, likely a result of the bitter temperatures. Carefully choosing soft, warm bamboo socks or Cuddle Duds to keep the toes toasty. 

Hygge is about creating the cozy, happy, relaxed, comforting and comfortable feelings alone and in groups. 

I started a journey through the New Testament chronologically this January. It will take us a year. We are in the early chapters of the gospel when Jesus was beginning his ministry. 

He was very intentional. There were times he moved in small intimate groups. Other times he spoke to the crowds. He made time for individual relationships.  He carved out intentional quiet time... to pray, seek guidance and prepare for whatever came next... even if he had to sneak away to do it.  He made time alone  a priority. He always came back from "the wilderness" restored and with a renewed sense of purpose. It was a habit he formed as a child:

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. -Luke 1:80

Intentional living with warmth, grace, and sparkle. It is making a life through simple, purposeful living. Carpe diem! Seize the day! 

Joshua spoke well about intentional living. 

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:15

To serve our God well, we must get to know him. We must spend good time alone with Him and then intentionally live in the world, looking for his lead and listening to his Spirit. 

Hygge is a concept of purposefully living better... and it perfectly compliments each one of us attempting to live out "The Great Commision". 

Today, I am grateful for the Danish art of living hyggely.