Of course, that can happen. A lot of what happens, though, depends on ourselves.
Are we willing to do the tough work of what is required to make things go smoother?
Do we have the mind-set, the thankfulness needed, to have an attitude that will appreciate whatever joys come our way?
As for myself, I want to be honest with my goals. So many times, I've built up a picture of what can happen with totally unrealistic expectations.
I believe it is a lingering case of supermom wanna-be desires influencing me to think I can do it all.
After much thought and prayer, I've come to the conclusion to embrace this one word in 2017:
Less.
I want to "do less and be more." (Okay, my one word is really a phrase. *smile)
All my activity in the past has mostly produced stress.
Last year's word, rest, was totally a challenge for me; and a goal I did not reach, though I certainly became more mindful of rest. This year's goal ties in closely but goes a step further.
Do less. Spend less. Eat less. Fret less. Strive less
Be more. Be more trusting. Be more satisfied with what you have. Be more inventive, using my time wisely so there might be more time. Be more in love with Jesus. Spend more time in His Word.
In that white space of time saved from not doing, will I then be more focused on Him and trusting Him more in every area of my life?
I'm not going to lie. Doing less will be so so difficult for me, a person who feels her worth can be measured by productivity.
I'm reminding myself I'm on a Journey Home. Along the way, there is much to learn. Learning about doing less and being more is on the next lap of my race.
What is your one word for 2017, your focus for the next stage of your Journey? I'd love to hear all about it!
~~~
I'm sharing this post at Crystal Twaddell's #FreshMarketFriday and at Janis Cox's last Word of God Speak linkup. (See! Already changes are happening for 2017! Janis, I wish you well and can't wait to see where God takes you.)
This is wonderful, and I completely identify with your thoughts here. So much grace is available to us, and we go flying right past it in our efforts to control the universe!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great word for 2017! I'll be blogging my word for the year probably tomorrow or Monday. I haven't had a word for a couple of years, so I'm hoping this one will help me stay more focused on what I should be focusing on (Jesus) and less focused on problems going on around me. (the word is not focused, but it does start with "f")
ReplyDeletebetty
I like your choice and your thoughts. I have not gone there yet...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Your word for 2017 is similar to mine for 2016 which was Simple.
ReplyDeleteI'll be writing about my word tomorrow or Monday--I'm pretty sure it is PEACE.
Jerralea,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, such wise, moving inspirational words that you shared. I think I have figured out my year verse, but am still thinking about my word :)
I was blessed so much by your wisdom and what this word means to you. It is such a wonderful thing to live with "less" and it is such an amazing word with almost abstract thinking.
My favorite part that really influenced my thoughts was this:
"In that white space of time saved from not doing, will I then be more focused on Him and trusting Him more in every area of my life?
I'm not going to lie. Doing less will be so so difficult for me, a person who feels her worth can be measured by productivity.
I'm reminding myself I'm on a Journey Home. Along the way, there is much to learn. Learning about doing less and being more is on the next lap of my race"
Have a wonderful first day of 2017!
Jazzmin :)
What a word! And yes, 'less' certainly does dovetail with 'rest'. I'll be sharing about my OneWord365 tomorrow at the blog and it is one that I have no earthly idea how the Lord will use it in my life, but it was clearly the Word for me for 2017.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Jerralea, for your sweet heart. Happy New Year!
The whole One Word thing doesn't work for me because I don't seem to be focused enough to do a follow though for 12 months, yet I'm still quite interested in what others choose and how they live into that word for the year.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Happy New Year, Jerralea. I appreciate that you're in my life ...
This is a beautiful inspiration for us who always do so much, left exhausted by the end of the day. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 2017!
I just love seeing what everyone's words are for 2017! Yours is inspiring, and I'm sure God is going to work beyond what you can imagine through the year:)
ReplyDeleteI too like seeing everyone's words for the year and I love reading about the reasons why it came about. I haven't really had time to think about it. Maybe this week now that things will get back to a bit of normal.
ReplyDelete