Originally Posted on 12/12/23
During the year of COVID-19, my life saw drastic changes. I retired after 34 years as a public school educator. Like everyone else, I spent copious amounts of time at home alone because my husband still had to work. One day I sat down and tried writing out my prayers. One day turned into two. One week turned into two. One month turned into two. I found myself consistently writing out my prayers. For the first time in my life, I prayed consistently.
As my relationship began to deepen and sweeten, I began seeing things about selecting a word for the new year. I decided to try it. I began to pray about what my word could be.
For 2021, my word was consistent. I saw a huge change in my prayer life and I wanted a wider range of change. I have always been great at starting things, but not always great at completing them. I spent 2021 being more consistent. I started actually finishing my studies. It seemed like it was working.
As 2021 ended, I selected a new word for 2022. This time my word was bold. I felt the Lord wanted me to be bolder with my faith but I had no idea how it would happen. I was having a conversation with my pastor and he was telling me about how he wished our church could do a ladies’ small group during the day. Before I could stop myself, I volunteered. I was going to lead a women’s group so I began praying about a topic. I knew the Lord wanted a deeper relationship with me, but what about the ladies? What was I thinking?
The search for a study began. I sensed that I was to select a study with some meat to it. I found Jen Wilkin’s study on James and I wanted to do it. My pastor wanted me to do something a little easier for my first try. I continued to search. Every time I looked at a different study, I experienced anxiety. I had never really experienced anxiety so it was such a strange feeling for me. The only time I had peace was when I considered the study on James. I honestly didn’t know what to do. I decided to practice being bold in my faith and talk to my pastor again. I met with my pastor and shared with him that the only time I had peace was when I was considering doing a study on James. He gave me his blessing.
In 2023 my word was intentional. My year has been filled with being more intentional about how I have spent my time. I’ve had deeper conversations with the Lord. I have found myself in a situation where I have prepared material for my Bible study. Somehow I found myself being the worship leader at my church. Leading worship seemed pretty intentional. However, over the last few months, I have felt like God was preparing me for something more. I have discovered that this very blog was just what God was prompting.
As 2024 draws closer, will there be a word for next year? I believe my word for next year will be either self-control or disciplined. I certainly battle with a lack of self-control and discipline in many areas: eating more than I should, saying things I shouldn’t, wasting time, etc. The list is endless, unfortunately. I have a little more time to pray it through.
There is absolutely nothing in Scripture that suggests we should select a Word of the Year. Why do I suggest doing it then? Anytime we can work on something that deepens our walk with the Lord, we should consider it. In a roundabout way, selecting a Word of the Year is really setting a goal. Would you find value in setting a goal to help you grow closer to the Lord? If you decide to select a word, leave your word in the comments.