My word for the year wavers this year. I have done this practice of exploring and pondering one word throughout the year for more than 10 years. A word for the year is a rewarding, deepening, guiding discipline. But I struggled this year with discovering the word that best fit my soul.
I started in November listening, watching for words that shimmer, resonate with potential to be guiding stars. The list grows, then narrows to a few candidates for prayer and “second interviews.” Does the word stretch my imagination, contain enough mystery to invite me deeper, touch a hunger within my soul?
I read what others were discovering and learning. Listening, looking, seeking a new word for 2023.
The past few years spoiled me with a clear winner. A strong word that taught me lessons and brought me closer to God.
This year that hasn’t been true. Yes, I watched for key words. Yes, I wrote out a list. Yes, I began to narrow the list down to a few possibilities. Then I would decide. Then two days later choose another. Then waver back and forth.
You would think my word would be doubt or second guess, wouldn’t you? Not really.
Here are the list of contenders:
- Thirst
- Story
- Transcends
- Deeper/deep
- Into
- Open
- Honor
I go back and forth and now conclude my word(s) of the year will be:
Honor the thirst deep within.
A guiding light for 2023. Where will it lead? I don’t know but they I invite me to explore, to ponder, to allow this phrase’s wisdom to shape my journey.
Some years a Bible verse emerges but none so far this year. Maybe Psalm 42 but I am still listening. I do have a question for the year: What does this mean? A good Martin Luther question to seek deeper the meaning of a scripture, circumstances, thoughts, and life.
I am reminded to enjoy the journey and not rush to the final destination. My struggle with choosing a word this year reflects that. Maybe I listen more carefully for God this year than other years. Maybe having a phrase to guide me will take me places beyond my imagination. With God, life is an adventure!
In 2023 on this Health Spirituality blog, I will occasionally share my lessons with this phrase and some key practices that nurture our souls.
What does it mean to:
- Be awake, present, mindful
- Be curious, growing
- Be humble
- Be open, flexible
- Be connected
- Be honoring, obey, organized, others, self, and God
- Be thankful and content
- Be loving, compassionate, and kind
- Be grounded, stable have a foundation, even in rough times
- Be amazed, joyful
- Be a positive difference maker,
- Be faithful and trusting
- Be consistent, persevere
- Be patient
- Be forgiving
I am looking forward to a year exploding with God’s transformation, of being shaped by God’s words, grace, and love. May 2023 embrace you with God’s tender, ever present, and amazing love.
Jean, thank you for sharing this process. The questions spoke to my heart … “Where will it lead?” “What does this mean?” Those questions will lead to a journey, one which leads to a deeper relationship with God and so, I am going to be asking those questions too this year. I don’t want to simply know more about my word (guide), I want to know more about the Word. Thank you!
What does it mean? has become a strong question for me in my prayers and journaling. Yes yes this practice of our word of the year – is meant to draw us deeper if we listen intensely and with intention.
I really benefited from this look into your processing! Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for stopping by Michele!
I used to think a keyword was just one word—until I studied SEO (search engine optimization) and realized ‘keyword’ means a string of words 😆. When people do a Google search, they use a string of words to help narrow the responses. So, having a string of words makes perfect sense! Sometimes more is less and helps us focus better 😊.
I hadn’t thought about long word key word until you mentioned it. so true!! Thanks for that insight!
Such a rich phrase you’ve chosen (or that chose you)! It took me immediately to Isaiah 55, a chapter I memorized a few years ago and read just today in my daily reading. (It was a bright spot in the midst of a lot of dreary readings in Isaiah the past several days.)
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters.”
I’ll look forward to seeing how you and God navigate your thirst this year.
This year was so hard in settling on where to focus. You know I love this practice and fully expected it just t o flow this year. Wrong! Thanks for the reference to Isaiah. I will add that to t e list!
You’ve put such thought and prayer into 2023, Jean. I’m already looking forward to your musings and observations. Your reflections spur me closer to Christ. Thank you for continuing to speak into my life.
I love the openness and listening when the year transisions. It become a “thin” place for me. Thank you for being a friend who listen to my words and struggle to live life to the fullest!
I hope your guiding words will bring you closer to God and to yourself this year Jean. God bless you on your way in 2023.
Hi Ceil! so good to see you here! Blessings on your 2023 too.
Ceil, HI!
That phrase will serve you well this year, Jean, I’m sure of it. The possibilities that God can and will present will be endless!
Blessings!
Thank you Martha. I have no idea where this phrase will lead but am taking the risk to step forward and explore with God. Happy New year!
2023 will undoubtedly be rich with discovery and deeper intimacy with God, Jean, as you pursue these topics with study and reflection. I’ll look forward to the posts that share your latest insights and experiences with Him!
thank you Nancy, May you too have a rich and blessed new year!
thank you jean!!…you are so encouraging…may the Lord fullfill your deepest desire this year…peace
You encourage me too Pat by your comments and presence!