Last year, 2013, was the first time I chose one word to focus on, in place of a list of resolutions and goals. A word settled into my heart, and not a day went by when it didn’t float to the surface of my brain. And instead of guilt over goals un-fulfilled, there was drive to grow in a specific area that actually permeated many. My word for 2013 was ‘soft’, and I love it even more at the end of the year than I did at the start. I wanted to be soft in my marriage, in my relationships with others, and with myself. It was incredibly challenging, because each time I needed the reminder to be soft, it was when I was being especially hard. And to act on the thought, ‘Anna, be soft,’ involved a lot of humility and digging deep, which does not come easily to me. While I have a long, looong way to go (especially when it comes to being soft with others – I am a natural cynic), it was a rich experience that has been full of meaning and I’m grateful for the chance to continue learning what it means to be soft.
2014 is bringing me much change:
- adjustments to my work environment
- a possible new business venture
- starting to potty-train a bonafide toddler
- a new budget (we need serious debt reduction)
- a baby. A BABY. In 2014 I will become a mother of two. Ay-yi-yi.
In addition to those physical changes, I’ve felt a tug to practice hospitality. And in thinking about that concept – truly practicing hospitality – I’ve realized it means more than inviting people into our home, more than cooking a meal, but a whole way of being. Making people feel welcome when I am with them – welcoming their stories and presence into mine – bringing a sense of grace into relationships and creating safe spaces. A clean bathroom and good food certainly help =) but I’m being called into a new (to me) way of practicing hospitality.
As these things swirled in my brain and heart, my word emerged so naturally and quietly that I didn’t recognize it at first. It, like last years, was so simple I kept trying to think of another one that sounded more appropriate. But when God whispers it’s fierce and it sticks.
My #oneword for 2014 is WELCOME. A concept that is applicable to so very many parts of my life and to the parts I would like to change. I’m looking forward to this journey, and to traveling it with you, friends.
Do you have a word or focus for 2014? I’d love to hear it!
– Anna
{girl with blog}
Anna, that’s a big word! A good one, too. God taught me to welcome the people on the street, in the shops, behind the register, into my life by the moments. I may be secretly glad He didn’t have me use the word in my home so much. 😉 I’m lazy like that. Burned out on it from my constant hostess role in years past. I’m praying God’s favor over all your welcoming endeavors, friend! Adventure!!!
Thank you friend =) It doesn’t feel big or overwhelming, but it feels right and uncomfortable.
I blogged about my one word too!
A wonderful word! 😀
Mine is creative–scary and wonderful all at once.
Scary and wonderful – I think that’s just right =)
Oh I love this word!! I so wish I could come on Friday when you are trying out your welcoming skills!! 🙂 Know that I am there in spirit!!
xoxo!! We’ll miss you!
Love your word for the year. 🙂 I chose “Restore”…or, rather, God chose it for me. A little scary, but I’m embracing the possibility that He will do just that. 🙂 Blessings to you, friend…Happy 2014!
‘God chose it for me’… exactly this. Ditto. Blessings back, Mel!
my word for this year is SAVOR. to relax, unwind, and enjoy the moments with my husband, my babes that won’t always be little, laughs with friends, meals in fellowship, and to take moments of quiet with Him when the buzy-ness of life and a hectic pace become more the norm than the occasional. best to you and yours in the NEW year, friend!
That is sweet and I love the one word idea. Now I am thinking what word would I choose or should I say would God choose for me!
Anna,
My word is persist. To keep on keeping on whether my body or brain feel like it or not. Life is a choice to live. It doesn’t just happen. At least the kind of life God wants me to have.
Love,
Mary
This is beautiful! Soft is actually a word that I would use to describe you. So interesting that you felt it was so different from who you are at the beginning of last year! Welcoming is also how I would describe you, I love that you want it to grow in new ways.
This year my word is INTENTION. It applies to almost every area of my life. It has been in my mind for months and there was no escaping the fact that it needed to be my One Word.
My word is welcome, too! (Apparently we’re the only ones… at least on oneword365) I am still working on my post about it, but I was very excited to read yours! I just had my second baby too — we must both be in welcome mode to bring these new babes into the world.