Word of the Year

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A New Year, full of unknowns - and sometimes we need extra light to keep us focused and on the right path. One year ago I joined in with some other bloggers in choosing my Word of the Year, a word that God was putting on my heart for the year ahead. I had never done that before, but it turned out to be a meaningful thing to do, giving focus throughout the year.

And now, at the beginning of this New Year 2012, I will do the same - choose a word that will help light the path as I walk through this coming year.

Listen ~

Last year my Word of the Year was the word ~ listen. It was a good year of focusing on, and learning more as I listened - to God, to my family, to others. And there must be more for me to learn, for this is the word that keeps coming to my mind, again, for this New Year of 2012.

In the busyness of life, and all the things that can bring concern and worry, I want to choose the best thing. Sitting at His feet, listening, being filled with His Love.

"There is only one thing worth being concerned about.

Mary has discovered it,

and it will not be taken away from her."

(Luke 10:42)

And I am asking God to create in me more and more of His heart in listening to those I love. Just as He listens to me as I share my heart with Him. And I am loved in return, just as I am. I long to reflect this same type of listening and love to those around me.

Rest ~

But, I cannot just stick with one focus, one word. My Word for the Year always carries another word or two along. And this year the word rest wants to follow along with listen. These two words seem to be related, for as we stop and listen to God, and to others (instead of just focusing on voicing our own opinions), we will actually find rest. 

Rest for our souls, as we let go of our own agendas, and care more about God's, and more about those we love. Taking our focus off of ourselves. 

And this year will also bring with it a new kind of rest for my husband and me. We will be celebrating 40 years of ministry, and are planning to take an extended time off - a 30-day Sabbatical (which our ministry allows and encourages), in addition to our accumulated vacation time. Time to rest, to spend time listening, and to be refreshed.

"As you rest quietly in My Presence,

My Light within you grows brighter and brighter."

(Jesus Calling)

Thank You, loving Lord, that You promise to light the path for us as we walk through another year. Help me to listen each day, and help me to rest as You lead the way.

Linking up at Walk with Him Wednesdays, and Faith Barista