A Word or Two

Resolutions. Words. Goals. New year. New everything.

At least that's what culture tells us. But rather than wanting brand new everything, or trying to fit in with the "new year, new me" crowd, I think this new year I will strive to build on what I already have. While I love the idea of a fresh start and new beginnings, I don't necessarily want to leave behind everything that happened in 2016. Like every year, it had its challenges, but I believe the Lord grew me in ways I've never experienced before. And that is something I would never want to toss out just because it's a new year.

So instead of starting completely over, or making a mile-long list of resolutions, the Lord put it on my heart to choose a handful of words that sum up my hopes for 2017. These words are words that stood out to me when reading the Word, or reading Christian books. These words represent my hope for the Lord to push and grow me in ways I can't even imagine. 

The first word that came to mind was fearless. It is a trait that I admire so much in others. You know, those people who don't think twice about pursuing their dreams, who don't doubt that God is working it out, and who seem to live the most carefree, adventurous lives. That's what I long for. Maybe 2017 won't be the year that I become totally fearless, but I hope to be able to fear less.

Awe. This word popped in my head as I was reading scripture yesterday. I want to be in awe of the Lord every single day. Out of curiosity, I googled the definition of the word. This is what I found: a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. I just love that. Those words are so rich–reverential respect, fear, wonder. I especially like the wonder part. Remember when you were little, and it took next to nothing to fill you with wonder? That's how I want to live my 2017. I want every day to be a wondrous, magical journey of being pursued by my heavenly Father. I want to live in awe.

Finally, I want to live in the present. More specifically, I want to choose Present Over Perfect. If you haven't read that book yet, head straight to the nearest bookstore and buy it! It opened my eyes to so many habits that I didn't even realize I had created for myself. I discovered that my behavior typically originates out of striving for perfection. But that isn't how I want to live my life–so caught up in the details and expectations and to-do lists. In 2017, I want to slow down and experience the present, without the weight of perfection on my shoulders.

So, what are your words for the New Year? Whatever they may be, I pray we will all experience God's radical love in the mundane of everyday life.