For the past six years, I have had a word. Well, I have many words. I like words and I tend to be full of them. But I have chosen just ONE word as an intended trajectory for the year to come. Peace, Merry, Light, Hope, Believe, Miracle, Wonder, Good all made the cut.
The ONE word idea has become so significant to our lives. It has cast incredible purpose throughout our days. Gave us assurance in the middle. And cultivated endurance to finish each year strong. This reality causes me take a long pause when I choose. I understand the importance of my decision. The years of One-word have shaped each day in a powerful way. This year it’s CHEER. Someone what unexpected as it’s not a common word in my daily vocabulary. My husband was inspired by the holiday window at the Pottery Barn. My first thought was, “well, it will work well for our Christmas card.” But CHEER? That’s when the scriptures brought light to what we were proclaiming over our year.
“So CHEER up! Take courage all you who love him. Wait for him to break through for you, all who trust in him!” Psalm 31:24
Some of you have asked how to find your word? How do I decide what is my one-word for the year to come. These are three things we do as we pick one word and proclaim it.
Set aside some time and find some space to think. Meditate on the past year. What went well? What was missing? What do you desire? What does God desire for you? As you sit and clear your mind of your to-do lists“emptying your schedule of both on and offline chatter“words will begin to flood your heart. Write them down. Sometimes the word is more about a way of living that must shift. It might be rooted in what went wrong the previous year and a desire to be different in the year to come. Remember, 2011 for me was peace.
What would you do if there were no risk of failure? What goal do you want to accomplish? What leap are you ready to take, no turning back? As your mind begins to race and your heart begins to pound, write it all down. Then meditate upon your thoughts and find a theme that weaves through all of your aspirations. That is your one word. That was 2013”the new adventure of church planting and the leap to be LIGHT.
I suppose I subliminally post our word each year in a Christmas card as an act of accountability. It’s a small step of courage that maybe only I understand. It’s me putting my heart out there and proclaiming my focus for the year to come. Sharing it with every household that receives my card makes it more real. It brings to life my heart’s beat for the next year. You can blast it wide, or simply share your word with a few trusted friends. But doing this will help solidify your one word. And that circle of friends can help support you throughout the year and pray for you. God planted this word in your heart. And He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.
Do you have your ONE WORD for 2020 yet? If you do, please share it here. Perhaps your bravery to share your word will inspire another to find theirs.