The Word of the Year

I used to frown upon people who picked words for the year. So cliche.

But I did it last year, and I’m probably never going back.

Last year I chose the word “Freedom”. I started the year off struggling with anxiety and some depression, and I wanted to work hard to break the bonds of that struggle.

This year as I have reflected on the year ahead, I’m going to admit that I’m a little bit afraid. It’s a year of lot of dedication to Theo’s job, and being a family that supports him. I am hoping that despite the difficult shift, we will be able to have fun as a family and continue in our spirit of adventure.

So, this year I have actually picked two words to represent how I want my year to go:

Endure: To Suffer Patiently or

To Remain In Existence.

 

Well: In a good or satisfactory way

Yes, I realize how grammatically incorrect my words and how redundant “enduring well” is, but it’s what came to me and it is what will motivate me.

I also realize after writing those definitions how martyr-ish my words seem. Internally, it’s exactly the opposite. Instead of being a martyr and complaining about Theo’s shifts and our current situation in life, I want to endure his difficult shifts and our schedule well.

I want to get through this year with patience, with grace and with a good attitude, despite our circumstances.

It also plays a huge role in our fostering journey. I’m weary of the situation and tired of being knee-deep in the messy. I’m struggling to continue on this foster journey, and I need to be constantly reminding myself to endure well.

So what does enduring well mean?

  • A grateful attitude full of Thanksgiving
  • Planning fun family things and working hard around the schedules and shifts
  • Being consistent in attending events/church for my kiddos
  • Taking refuge in the Word of God
  • Coming out on the other side an even stronger and more Christ-like person
  • Becoming closer to my family through intentional time together

 

My verse for the year is Colossians 1:9-14

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Do you choose a word for the year? What is yours?

14 comments

  1. Vicky says:

    Such a great way to stay focused on God for the year isn’t it. I went with a mantra of “Spend time wisely” based on Ecclesiastes 3:1. I noticed that I was always busy doing nothing so I decided to try and focus my time both physically and spiritually. Going well so far as I’ve got a consistent meal plan going and I’ve read a chapter of the Bible 🙂

    • sdevalve@cedarville.edu says:

      That’s fabulous! I absolutely love that idea! I struggle with the opposite- always being busy doing something, and it’s not usually a good thing. I need to slow down and focus on spending my time wisely, too! Thanks for your words of wisdom.

  2. Megan Reamsnyder says:

    I love choosing a theme for each year, I feel like it really helps keep me focused on my goals. This year is the year of intention. I’m trying to really be intentional about the things I want to do, how I want to spend my time and money, etc. Good luck with your enduring well goals!
    Misadventureswithmegan.com

  3. Mary says:

    I felt like it was cliché too until a co-worker shared how much her words have given her hope throughout the year, and your post just convinced me to go find my word for the year (before it’s more than 13 days in!) Thanks Suzanne. And 加油 this year (which literally means add gas/oil but it means go get ’em/you can do it/keep going) . I am thankful
    for your blog and the encouragement it is to keep going 🙂

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