2019 Word of the Year
Resolutions and words of the year are my spirit animals. But, truthfully, they don’t mean much unless you actually take the time to implement them. Every year, about mid-January, we hear about folks falling off the wagon, so to speak, with all those good intentions.
But you know, we never hear about those that get back on it, even though they fail.
January gets a lot of press for being the “goal-making” month, but you can set a goal anytime. Achieve it anytime. Get serious about it anytime. So, what are you waiting for?
Last year, my word was “possibility.” I had no idea what God was going to do with it, so I just tried to be open to the Holy Spirit. It turned out to be a magnificent year. Yes, there were lots of low points – no year is without them – and hard spots. That’s life. But, daaaaaang if God didn’t show me what was possible. I was blown away.
This year, I chose a hyphenated word which means it’s still one word, right? My blog, my rules. Ha!
What does it even mean? I’ll tell you.
For me, it’s first and foremost about facing the things I’ve been putting off. I haven’t been going to confession as often as I should for starters. After receiving all those beautiful Christmas cards from y’all (oh my gosh those were such a tremendous surprise!) I was encouraged to reach out to people and have some face-to-face time. Many of our friends have suffered serious losses. Life is too short to be a friend from afar. It’s time to be present. And, truthfully, there were times I was too buried in my phone to look up and see the people around me. In my own home.
It’s also time to come face-to-face with my shortcomings, my failures and my inabilities. It’s time to be at peace with them, knowing I can’t do it all (nor should I) and refocus my efforts on the goals Scott and I set forth on our dream date over the holidays.
This year is full of change for our family. Will starts college in the fall (hold me Jesus), Gianna starts kindergarten (pass the tissues) and I launch a book with Ave Maria Press (what?!). It’s going to be a beautiful year of lovely new seasons. Rather than lament the change, I have to see them for what they are, embrace them and learn to love the new path. Maybe you’re facing some new and exciting things on the horizon, too.
So, whatever word you’ve chosen, or new goals you’ve set, let’s all commit to encouraging one another. Here’s to 2019!
Beautiful. We all need more face-to-face. We are trying to teach this to our 7 boys. My word for the year is “surrender”. Not sure what God has planned, but I know I need to surrender to His will, not my own. Praying for you and your family. God Bless You!
Well said Kathryn. My word is patience. The good Lord knows I need to work on this one from many aspects. Here’s to a beautiful 2019!
Love it. Makes me think of Mary holding the baby Jesus – lots of face to face time there. My word of the year is kindness.
Love it! As a mom who just had to face my oldest moving away to college this year (she’s been at community college close to home for the last two years), my middle daughter starting college this year away from home, & my baby starting Pre-K; I can completely understand the need for tissues. My oldest & I are extremely close & I thought she would have the hardest time adjusting to life away from home at college. Instead, she is thriving! She has found her place & it makes my heart so happy. My middle daughter has already changed colleges because she was not as happy at her first choice. It is definitely a season of changes for us & I am trying to embrace them all even as I wish they were still small enough to cuddle in my lap. I have had to let my two oldest spread their wings & try to navigate their ways while standing on the side lines. I’ve also had the joy of my youngest telling me “Momma, don’t walk me in to school. Just drop me off at the drop off.” Time flies & even through the tears I can see the beauty behind it too.