It is the hour of new beginnings – a new year is upon us with all of her hope and potential as clear and broad as my new planner sheets – crisp and fresh from the printer.
If I were to dare to look at last year’s planner and see all of the scribbles, changes of plans, spills and blank squares of the plans that never came to pass, I might be discouraged. But today, I choose to look forward.
I love the idea of choosing one word to be the focus of the new year. We all know how far resolutions go – creating new habits takes a lot more than a bold statement made while sipping coffee and nibbling on the last of the Christmas fudge.
How about this for the new year? How about seeking God for a single focus for the year?
Last year I prayed and the Lord led me to the word humility. It was not as exciting as losing 15 pounds or finally getting organized, but the word was from the Lord so I waited expectantly for Him to lead. I was not disappointed. 2012 was full of more humbling moments than I would care to remember – except that I know that God has purpose in all of it.
Which brings me to my word for 2013. PURPOSE
With all that is being written and spoken about living intentional lives, it may seem almost cliche. While I would love to wow all of you with a unique word, a singular focus unlike all the rest, my simple declaration of finding my unique purpose and faithfully pursuing it is all that I have to share.
To be honest, I don’t even know what this looks like. I try to live with purpose, to intentionally make the best use of my time. I won’t lie to you, it is a struggle. every. single. day.
For some direction, I looked up the word purpose in the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:
That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure or exertion. We believe the Supreme Being created intelligent beings for some benevolent and glorious purpose, and if so, how glorious and benevolent must be his purpose in the plan of redemption! The ambition of men is generally directed to one of two purposes, or to both; the acquisition of wealth or of power. We build houses for the purpose of shelter; we labor for the purpose of subsistence.
For some inspiration, I looked up the word purpose in the Bible:
In order for our purpose to be worth anything, it must come from God, otherwise it will fail.
It is God who gives us the strength to fulfill His purposes in our lives. His purpose is good!
God is purposeful and in His grace we are a part of His purpose.
All will be well as we seek Him for purpose and the strength and desire to fulfill it in our lives.
These are exciting words full of potential. Now for my part in all of this. What is my purpose? What is God’s purpose for me? How will I purpose to carry this out in my day-to-day life? Honestly, I am nervous about posting this. I know that I will be more accountable for it and I’m not sure I like that so much. I am more of a fudge nibbling, coffee drinking, lets talk about it person. Stay tuned to see how this purposing to find and pursue purpose and yes, to live a more intentional life unfolds.
How about you? Where is God leading you to grow this year?
Share and Enjoy
The Lord put this same thing on my heart too. My focus is JOY. Happy New Year to you!
Hi Stacey. Happy new year, friend! Joy is definitely on the list over here too. There is just so much to be thankful for.
I love this thought provoking post! I’ve felt God calling me, and pulling me closer the last few weeks. I have felt “lost” the last couple of years, but my mind, heart, and soul are now peacefully waiting to see where He leads me.
Wonderful to hear Colleen. It can be easier to plod along directing our own paths but – waiting on the Lord – that is real living! Can’t wait to hear more of how He leads you.
I found you through the oneword365 link. Love your word! I am the mother of 8 too although mine are probably a bit older. My kids are 7-27! We’ve had (and have) children with learning struggles, as well. I speak at conferences and guess which workshop is always packed? Yep, my Struggling Learners/Superfood for Your Child’s Brain workshop! Our second child (first boy) didn’t read until he was 13. He want to college at 18 (a University) and became an amazing writer and teacher. He is currently teaching English in Korea! There is always hope for our struggling learners!
Hi Jill! I’m going to be doing some speaking this summer as well. Those struggling learners sure do surprise us in the end, don’t they? I’m curious what the superfood you are referring to is. We still have quite a few strugglers over here! Hopping on over to Generational Womanhood now….
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