A couple of years back, I confessed to Generous Matters readers my inability to keep New Year’s resolutions and opted instead for a three-word approach to good intentions. For 2012, I selected “be,” “still,” and “know” – three short, sweet, and surprisingly hard words to live into. My 2013 words — “restraint,” “focus,” and “adaptability” — were even more of a challenge.
In fact, my dismal track record over the past 12 months makes me doubt I’m any better suited for words than resolutions. But hey, it’s a new year, a blank slate, a fresh start. Maybe a third try and a new set of words will be the charm.
So here I go again. My three words for 2014 are
CONTENTMENT. PATIENCE. FUN.
Contentment. There’s something crazy about constantly pushing myself to the point of exhaustion in pursuit of one more achievement, or client, or word of praise. I know this to be true. Yet I’ve not been successful in throttling back my hard-driving ways or enjoying what is. The dreams of my younger years continue to nag, stirring up discontent in my heart.
In 2014, my goal is to nurture contentment in any and every situation. And not just a que sera, sera shrug of the shoulders,
but a genuine heart and head contentment that comes from knowing and trusting God’s best.
Patience. I’m quick to remind my 6-year old grandson that good things come to those who wait. Truth be told, however, I’m no more patient than is he. In fact, knowing I’m at the short end of my career has made patience even more a challenge. There are, after all, fewer tomorrows ahead for me.
In 2014, I want to be open to God’s timeline so that, as the Apostle Paul wrote,
“through faith and patience” I might “inherit what’s been promised” (Hebrews 6:12).
Fun. Other busy people manage to squeeze fun into their schedules. I see the pictures posted to Facebook so I know it’s true. Yet my husband and I aren’t so good at making fun a part of our lives. Too much work and not enough play this past year has made us a dull pair, and I’m not happy about it.
In 2014, I am determined to make fun a priority for Randy and me.
The good news is that if I succeed with contentment and patience,
finding time for fun shouldn’t be a problem.
THREE WORDS OF YOUR OWN
Last year, I invited Generous Matters readers to share their three words for the year, and a few did. I extend the invitation again, eager to hear what God is whispering in hearts at the beginning of 2014. While you think and listen, here are my three words to you.
Happy. New. Year.
A spiritual director friend told me years ago that it was extremely dangerous to pray for patience — because God would then provide you with multiple opportunities to practice it! My experience suggests that this is true. Happy New Year and good luck!
Oh my. I’m up to my eyeballs already with opportunities to practice patience. I am hoping this year is about learning to be patient with what is. This could be scary.
I will try to do my part to help Randy have fun this year.
Thank you, Bill. Randy and I need all the help we can get on remembering to make time for fun.
Too soon after all the celebrations to think yet, but you’ve planted the seed. Thank you.
God’s Blessings for a great
year!
Let me know when the seeds to root.
I awoke this morning thinking about what three words would serve me, God, and God’s calling in my life. The simplicity of three words is lovely. I enjoyed this blog and the encouragement it is giving me yet today. Hmmmm, three words. Don’t have them yet!
I’m glad the post about three words spoke to your heart. Let me know when the three words come to you. We can encourage each other through out the year to stick to our choices.
I wish you the best taking these three words to heart and I look forward to the pictures of a fun-filled Randy & Rebekah on Facebook. 🙂 🙂 If anyone deserves some fun, it’s you two.
Thank you, Sarah. I hope I’m able to flood Facebook with pictures of Randy and me having fun. But if not, I am determined to be content whatever the year brings and patiently take it all in stride. Best to you and your sweet family.
My three words for this year are “Seek. Peace. Pursue.” They came to me in a flash. It’s upon reflection I realized that seek and pursue are different – seeking will require patience and there will undoubtedly be some dead ends. Pursue will require discernment and no small measure of peace!
Three great words, Lori. I love how you describe peace as the glue that holds seeking and pursuing together. Please keep in touch through out the year as you live into the words.
Comments are closed.