One Word
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It’s hard to choose just one word to launch myself into 2011, but being an intentional person (or at least hoping I am), I think I should try. I’ve noticed lots of bloggers doing this—choosing one word for the year. Looking ahead with intentionality. Filling their hearts and minds with who they would like to be.
I think it’s a good idea, this intentionality. Kind of like being prepared for something you don’t know you will need yet. Or focusing on an attribute you just might need a little more of in your life.
Which is why I’ve been mulling this over for a while. What do I need more of in my life? What do I need to give to the people around me? What do I lack?
And so I’ve come upon a word that humbles me, not because I deserve any of it, but because I lack it so much, especially with the people who are closest to me.
Grace.
It’s my youngest daughter’s middle name, and sometimes I think I haven’t taken the time to really think about what grace really means. I have been showered grace upon grace in my life, and I am so thankful for it, but as I’ve been thinking about choosing just one word for 2011, I have realized how short I fall in showering grace on others.
All 5 feet 9 inches of me falls so very short.
With this word in mind, I want to make 2011 a year in which I give just a little more grace to those around me every day. How? I’ll try to make 2011 a year in which I stop and take notice of those around me. A year in which I don’t rush to judgment. A year in which I choose gentler words over harsh ones. A year in which I try to see through another person’s eyes.
A year in which I hopefully learn just a little bit more about what it means to be a person filled with grace.
I’ve been given so much of it, grace, but do I freely give it myself? And the more I’ve been given, the more I should give it away.
Lots to learn in 2011, that’s for sure.
Gratitude Journal
I’m still going to try to list 1,000 things for which I’m thankful as Ann Voskamp suggests. With that in mind, I’ll be adding them to each Monday’s post.
Numbers 21-32
- my parents
- Christmas with the fams (both of them!)
- Ina Garten’s Pan Fried Onion Dip (oh, it’s SO good!)
- How our dog does her happy dance when we get home from a trip.
- Rob, who takes care of our dog while we’re gone.
- Good driving weather
- Making great memories in the car
- Reflecting on old memories in the car
- Farkle
- Bowling
- Great times just being together
- Cousins Christmas
