Sometimes God likes to – or needs to – smack me over the head with a Truth. After doing my best to ignore it (or genuinely missing what He’s trying to teach me), suddenly a theme will appear EVERYWHERE.
A couple weeks ago, it was the idea of forgiveness finding me no matter where I hid. From Katy Perry songs to YA dystopian trilogies, the message was clear. Even my perfectly reasonable anger, justified disappointment and clenched jaw couldn’t fight the Truth that began appearing everywhere I turned.
The same is true when it comes to writing New Year’s resolutions this year.
Though I thrive on lists and, for better or worse, love setting goals for myself (often even after vowing to giving up on perfect, again, and promising not to expect so much and set myself up for disappointment, again), sometimes a list of resolutions just isn’t a good idea.
I have no idea what this year will bring. It’s full of possibility and excitement, hope and – yes – expectation. It’s full of new things and scary things and wonderful things and, most likely, hard things. And it’s just getting started.
So when I agreed to write about One Word 365 for (in)courage – and participate personally by choosing one word for the year rather than a long list of resolutions – it wasn’t a cop out or a concession. It was the wisest choice I could make for my life (and my sanity).
As soon as I believed that (and realized I’d have to PICK ONE WORD), I began realizing that God had been preparing my heart with His Truth for several weeks now. Just look at the Bible verses He’s brought to my attention recently:
Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.
(Isaiah 30:8)
Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
(Habakkuk 2:2-3)
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
(1 Chronicles 16:8-9, 23-24)
This year I’m choosing the word, “rewrite” for my One Word.
And though I am excited about lots of writing opportunities on the horizon, I don’t think for a minute that I’ll be the one doing the REAL rewriting in my life this year. No, I believe God has written a story for my life – one way better than all the fairy tales in the world – and He’s going to reveal parts of that story this year.
I believe God is going to be busy in 2014, rewriting my family, my marriage, my career, my art until what I see in the mirror is what He intended – and wrote – all along.
This year, I believe I will be rewritten.
Have you chosen a word or a theme for 2014? Will you share it in the comments?
{And if you want to read more about One Word 365 – and my waning love affair with McDonald’s breakfast burritos – join me over at (in)courage today!}
{Photo by dnuluong}
That gave me a few tears Mary. What a beautiful word and sentiment behind it.
If I were to choose a word, which I have not officially done, I think it would be DISCIPLINE. It is discipline I need in my life, and I’m asking Him to help me find it.
Oh, friend. I need discipline so very badly myself. I can’t wait to hear how God moves in your life as you focus on this!
My word is “intentional”. I am so, “fly by the seat of my pants” type of person that to limit myself to doing, being, thinking, writing “intentionally” will take effort. But I really would like to live “intentionally”. Thanks for the challenge.
I think “intentional” is a great word – one that can affect so many parts of your life. Wishing you the best as you dive into an intentional 2014, Randy!
Upon reflection, the word that comes to me is STILL. This is a complaint I hear from my husband is being still. Now, I hear God echoing this too. This will probably be the hardest behavior and attitude development I’ve encountered so far in my 46 years of life.
Ohhh, that’s a good one, Debi. I can sit still…but not often in the “be still and know I’m God” way.
I’ve enjoyed this post and you’ve got me thinking, although I don’t know what my word will be yet this year. I shared this on my Facebook page I Love My Lemonade Life. I think it’s a wonderful idea for the new year. Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com
I just moved my blog…I hope it is linking correctly!
Hi Debbie! I hope you’ll come back and let us know what word you choose if you settle on one!
So glad am reading this now. After readn ds last nite, av bn tnkn of my one word, so many came to mind but d most dominant one is “COURAGE”. I have bn living n fear fr most of ny life. Ds year i think God is telln me to be courageous (Mark 6:50)…. to love and to be loved, to do the things i alwaz longed to do like laugh, dance, travel etc. Thanks fr ds post.