Happy 2013! I'm one of those people who likes to sit down and write out my goals for the new year. In the past, I've found that when I do this it helps to focus me. You see, my popular sanguine personality needs focus or else I become easily distracted.
But for the past three years, I've also chosen one word for each year.
Gary Morland is the father of The Nester and Emily of Chatting at the Sky. He wrote the following about choosing that one word:
"That word becomes your goal for your attitude or behavior. Your word reminds you and motivates you. Then the resulting attitude or behavior impacts a whole bunch of areas where you would normally have goals.Your word might apply in some narrow but important area of your life. Or it might apply broadly at work or home, with family and friends, and in your own heart and soul, too."
Two years ago I chose ...TRUST.
For 2012 I chose ...ADVENTURE.
For 2013 I choose ...SURRENDER.
This graphic was created by Melanie of Only a Breath. Thank you Melanie!
I prayed about my one word for some time. At first, I thought I needed a word like self-control or holiness. You see I want to get myself together in 2013 (body, mind and spirit). But I kept feeling like the emphasis was too much on me. And I tend to let myself down!
That's when I felt the Lord impressing on my heart: SURRENDER.
Now I often think I've surrendered everything to Him only to realize I've taken it back again. Can you identify with me here?
If I surrender it all, I am trusting God. Hmm ...TRUST was my word two years ago.
And when I TRUST Him, it is definitely an ADVENTURE. Hmm ...that was my word for 2012.
In church last Sunday, my pastor asked us to hold our hands out in front of us facing down. He spoke about giving it all to the Lord. All of the burdens, our loved ones, our challenges.
He then asked us to keep our hands out but turn them palm side up. He asked us to be open for God's leading and to receive His love, mercy and guidance.
We often sing the song "I Surrender All" in my church. But I want to share a different version of that song by CeCe Winans. I love this one. And I encourage you to surrender all to Him in 2013.
Blessings and love,
photo credit: HikingArtist.com via photopin cc
