On the table in my foyer, I keep a little chalkboard slate and a piece of chalk.
A place to write greetings, healthy self-talk or encouraging words for those who walk through my door.
A new year brings a brand new slate on which to write a brand new story.
Last year, I spent 365 days, 8760 hours realizing the potential of my word for the year: streamline.
I had no idea how much power that word would wield over my life.
I suspected physical ramifications, like organizing writing projects and physical spaces but it was the emotional and mental ramifications that took me by surprise.
Midway through the streamlining journey, I received a medical diagnosis that punched me so hard in the stomach that I felt down for the count.
But, Hindsight quickly took my hand and led me to a seat in the theater of God’s faithfulness in my life.
One by one, scenes played in HD on the broad screen in my mind and heart. Each reminding me how much God really loved me, even when it felt as if he had forgotten me. He assured me, again, that He never leaves or forsakes his children. He always, note always, works every little detail together for His good (Romans 8:28).
Second note: his good, which ultimately leads to our good.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, I know, but I’ve come to believe it with all my heart.
My One Word for 2015
As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, I first wished my husband a happy birthday, kissed him with new year wishes, and then urged him to pray us into the new year. Half asleep, yet fully awake to the Spirit (smile), he prayed.
Three times he mentioned the word, flourish.
The first time, I smiled.
The second time, my ears perked up a bit.
The third time, my spirit resonated and had my full attention.
Flourish. My word for the year?
I was considering believe and practice, until flourish decided to walk through the door.
As I closed my eyes and bid adieu to 2014, my head hit the pillow whispering and welcoming and wondering what flourish holds in its hands.
What is Your One Word?
Now it is your turn. Do you choose “one word” for the year?
Will you be so kind to share it with us?
Let’s inspire one another and then challenge and cheer one another along.
First of all, I love the very sound of the word, “flourish.” Flourish is beautiful but strong, can waltz and do the tango, is not averse to a big bowl of rich ice cream, and leans towards the sun, quickly forgetting the dark and the cold. My word for the year is “fitness.” Mostly physical fitness, but also fitness for the work set in front of me.
Susy,
What a master class on writing! You inspire me beyond words…I have written your insights on “flourish” on the front page of my journal…
having been a dancer, I know the beauty of being able to waltz and tango…and everything in between, so this made sense to me. I receive your encouragement and am going to “lean towards the SON…” Thank you for taking the time to share this brilliant vision with us.
My annual word is discovered first by my husband. This year it is protect. I was surprised and comforted at the same time. November and December were plagued by anxiety for me. That is unusual for me. It’s tiring, not right and uncomfortable but it chased me. Today I am claiming God’s protection on my mind and heart and am peeling off the layers of worry. Thanks be to God!
Jody,
Oh, thank you so much for your transparency. What an incredible word choice.
I will definitely be praying protection over your mind and heart and emotions.
Would you be willing to share how “anxiety chased you?” I believe we could all
benefit from tangible “ways” in which this happened. God will use you mightily…I know it!
Right before Christmas, I went to say goodbye to a dear friend who was dying of cancer. We’ve been friends since college and I knew this would be my last earthly visit with her. “You’ve done so well with what you’ve been given,” I told her. She replied, “All I’ve ever wanted to do was to live a life that brings glory to God.” Glory. Immediately I knew that glory was my word for 2015. As soon as I got home, I discovered that the earliest reference to the glory of God in the Bible is when Moses asks God to reveal it. Exodus 33:18 “I pray that you show me Your glory!” Show me Your glory…..my prayer for this new year.