For the last few years I have focused on one word as a theme for each year. This is a phenomenon that many other people do, so not an original idea with me. And to be honest, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.
One word is simple in a noisy world that is murky and complicated. One word grounds me and guides me back to God.
Last year the word – Stretch – chose me. I am not one to remember my dreams but this word crept entered barged into my sleep one night and made itself at home within my heart. Stretch has been a good word for me this past year and described many of the adventures God offered me.
And now let us welcome the New Year
‘Full of things that nave never been.
What will 2014 hold for me? I love this time of year. I take out my journal and review the past year. I write down a summary. Then I prayfully ask God to lead me into thinking where he might want me to grow in the New Year.
Choosing a word nurtures this process.
I begin by listing potential words that appeal to me. Does one resonate more than others? I pray about them. I ask God for a word. I bring the list to my spiritual direction group and listen to their reactions and response. I pay attention to see if a new word or one word in particularly pops up in unexpected places.
I found a list of words at this useful web site.
I talk with God about my deepest desire for him. How would I describe it? What is my hunger/my yearning?
One word keeps bubbling to the top.
One word peeks around every corner of my reading, listening, praying.
One word snuggles deep within me and finds itself at home.
I read this poem today that seemed to affirm this direction:
Enfolded and Embraced
In a still gray moment
in a quiet lonely place,
may God’s gentle mantle enfold you
and circle you with grace.
May Her sweet breath brush upon you
and warm your body through,
Her gracious arms encircle you
like a flower wrapped with dew.
May you truly know within
that you are God’s delight,
and She longs to hold and love you
through your deep, deep night.
Edwina Gateley
My word for 2014:
ENFOLD
Do you have a word for 2014? I would love to hear it!
oh, I love the picture your word, “Enfold” creates…like last year, I resisted, but as I prayed, the word, “Flourish” came up and it is used in Psalm 92:12-15…I need last year’s word, “Trust” to believe God can make me “flourish” for His glory …hugs to you, Jean
I love the word flourish. There is movement and growth in that word, Dolly. I was thinking the other day that enfold may be passive but it seems like God is calling me to rest and centering more than productive and doing this year. May he bless both of our words this year! I am sure he will
Oh I like your word. Mine will be glory and glorify. I’m hoping soon to be writing a book on glorifying God. Happy New Year, Jean!
Love your words too Kathy. May they guide us closer to God this coming year. Happy new year to you too. So glad we’ve kept in touch
Jean – Love your word! I had to look it up in the dictionary 🙂 to see all which the word means – circles, surround, wrap. clasp. May you experience all that & more in & through our God! Happy New Year!!!!
This word slowly eased itself into my heart. I want to be mindful of God’s presence and be centered more often in 2014. That seems to be where He is leading me. At first I thought that meant to know he dwells within me which he does but now I see it is because I also dwell within him. Paradox but a a sacred paradox. both within me and me within Him. Enfolded. now to see where he leads me with this image. Happy New year to you too.
Lovely, Jean! May God give you the desires of your heart this year in this One Word! Happiest New Year wishes!
Thanks Dawn, always love connecting with a fellow kindred spirit!