Here we are, just days into the new year.
There’s just something about a clean slate, a fresh start, a new beginning, isn’t there? There’s a sense of newness, freshness, and anticipation as we turn the calendar from one year to the next. We look forward to exciting possibilities and potential opportunities, and many of us revisit goals and yet-to-be-fulfilled dreams.
It’s also the time I single out one word.
For the last number of years instead of setting resolutions for myself, I have singled out one word to inspire me through the year. It’s a word that encompasses who I am and where I’m at in life. I may not fully understand the complexity of it all at the time, but it’s interesting how that word guides me and grounds me throughout the year. And most times, as strange as it may read, I don’t intend to choose the word at all, but it’s one that comes to me. Some would say it’s fate or coincidence. I say this word is God-given. As I walk the year out, it becomes more and more evident to me that one word is most assuredly from Him.
Take for example last year. My word for 2017 was LIVE. I knew without a doubt after seeking and searching when it popped into my mind and heart, that was God’s word for me. It wasn’t something I needed to add to my plate. It wasn’t anything I specifically had to do. LIVE simply settled within me. But, little did I know how much that word would impact and affect my life. I thought LIVE would help me embrace a real, balanced, impacting life. It did that, yes. But, it inspired me in ways I didn’t expect or couldn’t have imagined.
God used LIVE to enhance every area of life. Especially in my relationship with Him. My prayer through 2017 was “help me live my life for You, God.” After all, He created me. He knows the number of my days, as well as the number of hairs on my head. My life isn’t for me, it’s to impact others and to glorify Him as I do so.
God used LIVE to grow me, guide me, and bless me.
–When I wanted to play it safe and stay where it was comfortable, God reminded me to live in trust.
–During times of wanting my way, God prompted me to live to make a difference for others.
–When the world shook and horror filled our headlines, God prodded me to live in boldness without fear.
–On the days that weren’t so pleasant, live helped me look for hidden blessings.
–He reminded me to live by shining His light in dark areas of my corner of the world.
–During times of indecision, I was reminded to fully live is to live without second-guessing and with no regrets.
–He opened doors to spur others on to live through speaking engagements and writing opportunities.
–It was the subject of my 31 Days writing adventure in October.
Plus, God blessed me with a life full of exciting opportunities, adventures, and experiences that made 2017 one of the best years yet.
2017 was certainly was a year I lived.
I was sad to see it come to a close. But, I’m thankful and grateful, and I look forward to new adventures with God in 2018! I’ll share what my word is for this year in my next post, but you may have already figured it out.
Did you have a word for 2017? How did you see it play out in your days? How did it guide you and inspire you? I’d love to read about it below.
Blessings, friend. And, Happy New Year!
Much love,
Julie
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I had the word declutter. I actually did not pick out the word upfront, but it developed over time. I watched as God began to remove lots of unwanted garbage and excess from so many areas physically, mentally, and spiritually.