Now that I know my word, however, I have to admit that I’m not clear what it means or why it’s to be my word for the year! It’s possible it will take me all year to unpack it fully. Yet a few applications are evident.
I do want clarity in my work life. The last two books I’ve written, The Hope of Glory and Take My Hand Again, have received positive, heartfelt reviews from people who have read them. I know they could be encouraging many more people to navigate old age gracefully, or to help aging parents face the future with hope and optimism. And so I pray for clarity about how to reach more readers.
I want clarity in my relationships. At 68, I can no longer think of myself as middle-aged. I have yet to meet anyone 136. I want to look at the relationships that mean the most to me with renewed clarity and to never take a single one of them for granted. Have I told the people I love how much I love them? Have I clearly told my friends how much they have contributed to my life? Have I cleared up any misunderstandings and asked for forgiveness if necessary? If not, this is the year for such clarity.
I want clarity in my spiritual walk. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV). I know I won’t have perfect clarity about all things spiritual until I see the Lord face to face, but through prayer, studying the Word, and the fellowship of believers, I hope to wipe away a bit more of the fog this year. Psalm 119:105 has always been an encouraging verse for me. It reads: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I trust that if I stay in this light I will clearly see where to place my foot next on my spiritual journey.
Where else will a focus on the word clarity take me this year? Clarity about what eating plan to follow or where to exercise? Time will tell. For now it’s written in capital letters on a sticky note stuck to the bookshelf above my computer. Clearly, it’s a start.
All the best to all of you as you seek to discern what the New Year has to offer. I’d love to hear your one-word theme if you have one. Happy 2016!
Excellent! I will be searching for my word!
Jimmie
Let me know if one descends on you, too! 😉
Hi Nancy! Love the word “clarity!” Mine for 2016 is “breathe” — the first time it’s been a verb! Last year was “song,” and the year before, it was “persistence.” Ever since you introduced me to the concept the year that you found “joy,” I have been choosing a word and writing about it in my newspaper column. Thanks, Nancy!
Great to know, Andrea! Thanks for sharing all your words.
Nancy, thank you. I have practiced the one-word or sometimes two-word themes here and there over the past few years and it’s been a fun adventure. In early January, I thought my word was “new,” but I’m now wondering about “thank you” or “gratitude.” Maybe I’m supposed to be aware of “new gratitude” this year. For sure, I need clarity to choose. 🙂
Thanks, Beth. Maybe it’s Ann Voscamp’s favorite: eucharisteo!
Mine is “abide”, last years was “change” and THAT was sure right! Love the way you described your word “descending like a dove”!!
Awww…abide is one of my favorite words any year! Thanks for sharing, Lea Ann.
Thank you for anthor thoughtful post. I read this early today and just thought of my word. My word is focus. I want to focus on my family, my health, and relationship with Jesus. I want to live with purpose each day and pour love and direction into my children.
So good to hear from you Kimberly. I love your “focus.” Stay in touch.
Again, thank you, Nancy. Clarity, the way you wrote about it, makes perfect sense. I’ve undertaken leading another Bible study for women at church and clarity is so needed. This is based on the book, Undivided, a dialogue between a Christian mother and her Muslim daughter. It’s easy to get side-tracked into other books on the Muslim religion. Books by Ayaan Mirsi Ali (great books, about five of them).
I think I’ll take “stick-to-it-ive-ness”. (Yes, it’s a word. It’s in the dictionary). The reason for this choice? Because I’m apt to go read more about this subject and/or an Anne Perry mystery when I should concentrate on the lessons. Did I make myself clear?
Love your word, Betty, and that book sounds interesting. Stick to it!
“Clarity” is a word you’ll appreciate throughout the year as it reveals itself, Nancy.
Wish you birthday clarity, and appreciation for the gifts you’ve received throughout your life. Many happy returns.
Thanks, Marylin! Yes, I guess clarity is one of those things we never have enough of! Bless you.