Just One Word
One of the benefits of living with my pastor is that I get a preview of upcoming sermons. In his new series, Doable, Chris is urging each of us to pick a word and a corresponding habit to focus on for 2015.The week before Christmas, he asked me to begin praying about what my word would be for this year. Chris had already been thinking and praying about his word for sometime, but I had no clue. Several things came to mind that I really want to work on. I have 2.5 years left before my son heads off to college. I considered whether or not the word would be something that would make the most of my relationship with my kids as the brevity of their 7000 days is a frequent thought on my mind these days.One word that I considered was “present.” Not in the sense that I need to receive or give gifts this year, but rather that I need to be fully engaged wherever I am. Unfortunately, I feel like I live most of my life juggling so many things in my mind that I can miss being engaged in each moment.Chris recommended the words “relax” or “irresponsible.” I guess that says it all! Though I have made some improvements, I still find myself a whole lot more uptight and overly responsible than I would like to admit. Some days I long to have the carefree attitude that I see other people enjoy. But for whatever reason, I imagined that the word “relax” would begin to annoy me as the year progressed. I need a word that focuses me on what matters. We each need a word that resonates in our own heart to take us to the right perspective before the Lord.I did finally determine my word. It is “daily.” My guess is that most Highpointers will get the back story of my word this Sunday, but I’ll also blog about it later this month. What’s more important than my word, however, is for you to take your own journey. As is often said, don't try to boil the ocean. Find one word that would help you to stay focused on developing one new healthy habit for this year. Your need may be different from mine. What resonates with you may not resonate with your family members. But ask the Lord, what is one area that He desires for you to have victory in this year?There is nothing magic about January. But in the same way that God's mercy is made new every morning, a new year represents an opportunity to refocus. It’s so easy to slowly veer off course and find yourself heading in a direction that really isn’t best for you. Whether it’s January 19 or February 12, it’s not too late to decide to focus on one thing. If improvement in that one area would mean victory for you, then why wouldn't you pursue victory?I'd love to hear the words that you’re considering. Let me know as you begin to narrow down your list. twitter | facebook