Usually, at the beginning of each year, I sit down and write up a big list of goals and plans to guide me through the next 12 months. This year, I’m doing something a little bit different. While I am still writing out a few goals, I’m making a smaller list and being much more intentional with them. I also wanted to try something new. I’ve seen quite a few people do this at the beginning of a new year, and I’ve been praying for a month or so for ONE WORD for 2014.
At first, I thought I might choose the word SIMPLIFY. I’ve been working that out in my life for a long time–and as a messy mom–I still really need it…
But, it just didn’t feel quite right.
Then, I came across and read this book through my local eLibrary. I knew it was the word.
AWAKE
This year, I want to live AWAKE.
AWAKE to the mercies that are new every morning.
AWAKE to the pain and struggles of those around me.
AWAKE to poverty and trafficking–and what part I can play in relieving that in my area and around the world.
AWAKE to my children–to spend focused time with them each day.
AWAKE to my husband–not taking him for granted or giving him the leftovers.
AWAKE with energy–to feed my body and mind and spirit well.
AWAKE with hope.
While I try to stay cognizant of the needs and challenges around me, it’s often quite easy to slip inside the “bubble” and stay where it feels safe and protected. The AWAKE my soul longs for is to feel the deepest sorrow and to walk through the most glorious happiness and to bear burdens and to rejoice when others rejoice–to be fully present and awake and to experience the highs and lows of life without running away or trying to dull or gloss over the sorrow and the joy.
That’s why my “one word” for 2014 is AWAKE.
Have you ever picked one word for your upcoming year? If so, what was it?
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