Many people skip New Year’s resolutions and let one word guide them throughout the year. I have embraced one word for the last few years and found it’s fun to see how its meaning threads itself among the details of daily life. Often I don’t see it until I “harvest” my journal in a day of reflection.
If you have asked me a few weeks ago I would have told you I failed to hear my one word much last year. That is until I spent time rereading my journal and reflecting on the year – a wonderful spiritual practice, by the way.
In hindsight I saw how God ENFOLDED me at multiple points of last year. And I know with some sadness that I have missed experiencing His hug by not paying attention. I focused more on discouragement, disappointment, and difficulties than on God’s presence. I hope not to live so mindlessly in 2015 and miss his lessons next year.
I learned new ways last year to live and love undivided.
This year? I am not sure of an ‘UN” word yet, but am drawn to UNTRUE.
I know that may seem odd to you but I find when I am tired, stressed, and sick, I lapsed into the old habits of discouragement, procrastination and defeat. I lose my sense of value and being a loved child of God and drown in loneliness and self-pity. These feelings are UNTRUE! And I need to recognize this hard wired response of mine and set it aside. As a loved child of God I do matter and am enough and acceptable as I am. God loves me. That is the truth where I will reside.
Do you find a new word for a new year? Some ideas can be found at the website called One Word and on many other blogs. I like the idea that the word chooses us, not we chose it.
I listen for a word that resonates deep inside me. I watch for a word that seems to come alive when I see it in print. I reflect my deepest desire for the next year and wait to see what bubbles up.
What emerged for 2015 for me is: STILLNESS.
One word.
I look forward to seeing where STILLNESS leads me and even challenges me this year. Sometimes in stillness I may not like what I find but I am going to allow this word to do its magic. And I hope and pray I pay attention to the moments of stillness that comes as refreshing gifts to my soul.
And a Bible verse has also surfaced for me for the year.
One thing I ask from the Lord,
This only do I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To gaze on the beauty of the Lord
And to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27: 4
One word. One verse.
Do you have a word and/or verse for 2015?
Great post! Your words, living undivided and not untrue, speak to me, and they connect nicely to my post about my word for 2015 – joy. I’m working on finding the joy in the journey. There are many ways to do this, but your post reminds me that living an undivided and true life are also steps that can lead us into His joy. Thank you for sharing! http://www.forget-me-notohlord.blogspot.com
Just visited your blog to read about joy. that is a great word for the year. too often I let doom and gloom run the day. That is an UNTRUTH!. See how your word has already impacted mine. thanks, Jamie
This is my year of “courage”! Be blessed♡
What a neat word – courage. I would think that would lift you up and keep you going just by saying and living it. Blessings to you too!
Stillness. Wowsa. That’s a great One Word choice, Jean. Psalm 27:4 is one of my favorite verses in one of my favorite chapters that we’re memorizing this winter at Do Not Depart. I look forward to all that you’ll share about this in 2015!
My one word is “Now” and my verse is:
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MSG)
just read your blog post. Love your word. There is energy attached to the NOW – staying mindful too. Great verse too
I love your word for the year, Jean! Mine is “wonder.” I, too, am looking forward to how God will draw closer as I approach Him with the wonder of a child. Blessings!
I love wonder!! Actually that theme is a thread that runs in several book ideas I have. I then read this post today and thought of you and your word:
http://www.sdiworld.org/blog/contemplating-wonder
maybe it will give you some insight into this great word. Happy New year!!
Oh, what an amazing article! Truly inspiring to me in this year of wonder. Thanks so much for sharing, Jean!
Jean, May you find God in the stillness this year as you seek Him & His face. I also pick a word & verse. For me this year is “Believe” … “Do not be afraid, just believe …. ” (Luke 8:50). May you & yours have a most blessed 2015!
Thank you for your blessing and I will lift you too up in prayer for the coming year. The word believe is full of strength and light. As soon as I read it I could sense that. May it guide your year and brighten your path!! Happy New year
Amen & Amen! Thank you, Jean!