Each New Year, I take out my journal and write down all the things I would love to accomplish or improve upon for the new year ahead of me. The other day, I looked back on my writing from last year on the 31st of December. I counted the number of things I had written and the grand total comes to 37. I narrowed it down to five for a clearer focus. These things are smaller "resolutions" such as reading more, finding a mentor, loving those who are hard to love, etc. I focused on this list throughout the year, but it was not my main focus.
Although I love to make New Years Resolutions, I mostly look forward to this time of the year to establish my One Word. One Word is an awesome opportunity to create a positive vision for the road ahead in 2014. Jon Gordon, an inspiration of mine and a key enforcer of this concept, describes it like a marathon. At what mile do you think a marathon runner would quit? It certainly would not be in the first mile because of the excitement and inspiration. They also wouldn't quit in the last mile because they can see the finish line. Many times, marathon runners quit in the 20th mile out of 26.2 miles. As you can see, when you have a vision or goal, it can be very easy in the beginning or the end, but the middle is so challenging. One Word is a great way to have a vision for your new year and to constantly reinforce it. Your One Word can help you reach the finish line, even if the race is tough. The power of the vision is so motivational.
As the New Year approaches, I am encouraging others to join with me in choosing one word that will be your driving force for the year. What word will help you to become more like the person God wants you to be? I encourage you to stop and reflect on your life, bring this to God, choose your one word, and finally live your word all year. It is clear to see that the only way this won't work is if you don't do it. So give it a try! Maybe this one word will change your life forever.
My One Word for 2014? PRAY.
2013: Commitment
2012: Relentless
I have brainstormed some possible words if you are looking for some inspiration and compiled them on Wordle.com. I'd encourage you to reflect and bring this to the Lord and then find your God-given word for 2014!:) Enjoy this journey. I certainly have. Please comment or message me to let me know if you have decided to take this journey with me!
I've been thinking about my one word since we talked at lunch. Usually I don't have to be intentional about it because God seems to lay a new word on my heart during the first few weeks of each new year. But this year I do want to be intentional because I think this is going to be a very key year in my life in many ways. I don't know how. I don't know what lays ahead. I don't even know what continent I will be living on in the year ahead. Every single thing in my life except for my walk with God is one big question mark. I don't have clarity or focus any longer and I feel like I am about to step into the unknown and unfamiliar. Again. Right when I start to get comfortable... right when I begin to nest and settle.... time to start all over from scratch. I am learning to travel light and not cling to possessions because I end up at some point having to give everything away and start again. It's God's way in my life. He is wild at heart and full of adventure. I love that about Him,. But sometimes I just feel tired and lost and disoriented. And that is usually about the time that God takes my hand and gently leads me out into the unknown. My heart races and I don't have a clue as to what I am doing. But I know Who is holding my hand and it is enough. So I will go with Him this year and see where we end up. I have decided to turn in my resignation and take His extended hand to go once more into unchartered territory. This always makes your mom nervous. It isn't safe. It doesn't pay well financially. There is risk involved. It's illogical and maybe even foolish in human reasoning. But she trusts God in me and will not fight me on it. I'm glad. Even though she doesn't understand, she is one of my biggest fans and has learned to sit back and watch God work. I love her for that. So...back to my word.... I think it might be: Refocus. or: Redirect. or maybe even Clarity. One morning I will wake up and it will be crystal clear what word God will chose to define my year ahead. Once again I will write it on a rock and place it under a plant somewhere and see what God does with it. Maybe it will be a new word altogether. It's one of those intimate things between God and I. I don't tell others about it because I don't want them to keep asking about it all year. I just want it to unfold. And like you, I will read back over it next New Years and see what He did. And I'll be wowed, just like I always am when I look back at His work in my life. He always does above and beyond all that I could dream or imagine. I am humbled that He takes such interest in my little life and loves to wow me. I am loved by the King of the Universe and every single minute of my life is in the palm of His hands. So on to unchartered waters!
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