The last few years have seen people selecting their word for the year. I’ve often wondered if those words should be their word for January.
Much like resolutions, these things tend to fade.
But nevertheless, I have led my family these past few years into different streams of thought as we focused in on something that benefitted us by paying it attention.
There was the year of Adventure, a year my family will not soon forget.
There was the year of Extra, when we worked hard at pouring ourselves into the newest places God had placed us.
There was a year of Connection, where new roots were planted, new friendships developed.
So what now?
I almost hesitate because I feel lost in the moment. But what a moment!
I have begun classes again, this one focused on prayer and bringing with it 6 books for reading. That’s right. Six books. Eight weeks.
I’m sure it’ll be fine.
The one I’m currently reading is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp. It’s probably not one I’d find myself reading if it were not assigned.
That would have been to my loss. Ann writes powerfully, if not very poetically, of finding joy in thanksgiving. It’s list-making and happiness-finding and trauma-enduring and it’s really an enjoyable read.
I almost hesitated at admitting this publicly, for fear that confessing this enjoyment would pigeon hole me in a group of pillow-packed, tissue-holding, women’s small groups, because yes, I’m sometimes that guy that doesn’t want to appear too sensitive.
Ann writes very much from a mother’s perspective but I am finding it interesting and very worthy of my time and thought.
The practice of gratitude is worth the practice, not just for January, but for at least 12 months. So there you go. It looks like I have a new word for this year.
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