My One Word in the New Year 2017

2016 was a good year for me. I am slow in saying that because so much of what has happened in the world at large has been gut wrenching. I admit I don’t watch the news a lot for that very reason. My heart breaks over so many things that divide us. I may not be on the front lines of change but I’ve committed to love the people in my every day and teach my kids what it means to let go of pride and cultivate compassion for the sake of unity.

This past year has included huge personal growth for me. Through intention, I established a habit of Sabbath keeping, finished personal projects, and set boundaries on my time. I also have cultivated relationships I longed to have, completed a home renovation, and embraced the description of work at home mom.

Circles of Faith, the ministry I co-founded with Elise Daly Parker, hosted it’s first all day retreat and transformed from a community blog to a podcast. It was very exciting but there was a lot of letting go and pushing forward that took place.

These successes sound great but I wrestled with doubts and insecurities along the way. I fought for every inch of ground I took.

As I approach 2017, I am ready to be refreshed. As I prayed about the things I would like to be different this year the word RENEW came to me. I immediately thought of the scripture in Romans 12:2.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My One Word for the New Year is a verb, RENEW.

·      RENEW my faith. I will get back to basics and put God’s Word in my heart through scripture meditation and memorization.

·      RENEW my marriage. I will shed those comfortable habits that prevent intimacy.

·      RENEW my purpose. Whether I write a blog post, tuck my kids into bed at night, drive carpool, host our small group, or produce a podcast, I will do it well and stay focused on my why.

·      RENEW my Sabbath practice. I will prepare for those days and fiercely guard the sacredness of them.

There are a few important projects I am working on this year. However, I want to see renewal in the areas mentioned above more than I want to achieve any one specific goal. I truly believe that if I let my One Word guide me it will help me achieve my goals. The One Word itself does not hold power but the small consistent practices I have associated with it do. 

I am excited for what the New Year holds.  

I am curious to know, do you have a One Word for the New Year or do make resolutions or set goals? I’d love to hear what about your hopes for 2017.