Happy 2016 everyone! The Christmas tree is hibernating for another year, the yummy goodies are pretty much gone (oops), and school’s back in… normality reigns again! Are you feeling it— that anticipation of a clean slate, fresh goals, and new challenges? I’m not talking New Year’s resolutions here (does anyone still punish themselves with these lofty, soul-destroying ambitions?) I’m thinking more on the lines of readying myself for what is to come and making the very best of EVERYTHING in 2016.
The past few years, I’ve jumped on the wordy-people bandwagon and gone with a “word for the year”. It’s not rocket science, yet it’s been meaningful to me in its profound simplicity. My word for last year was “PRESENT” and although I didn’t exactly nail it to perfection, I did make a conscious effort to be present for whatever was going on in my life rather than getting distracted or racing ahead to the next thing. So… the reason I have been somewhat absent on my blog the past few weeks? Blame it on my 2015 word— I had a wonderful time being present with my family over Christmas—especially because my daughter flew home! 🙂 Here’s a snippet of some of some moments I was present for in 2015:
For this year, I have a very different word. I’ll be honest, it didn’t come to me until yesterday, but after listening to the first sermon of 2016 I felt like I was hit between the eyes with it. My word?
“BLESSING”
The whole message yesterday made perfect sense to me, and I realized I don’t want this year to be ALL about me, myself, and I. I don’t want to set goals to better myself for ME or achieve milestones making me a better version of myself just so I go up a notch or two as a wife, Mom, friend, author, writer, whatever.
Being a blessing turns a New Year resolution on its head.
Whether it be losing weight, stopping smoking, exercising, travelling, spending less, sleeping more, learning a language, or any other popular resolution—it’s usually for one’s personal gain. It’s an attempt “in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice” (Wikipedia).
Here’s a thought—instead of SELF-improvement, how about blessing OTHERS? Try to improve their self-esteem by encouragement, their loneliness by visiting, their bad day by baking them a batch of cookies, their heartache by simply being a friend who truly listens? Being a blessing isn’t just doing “something slightly nice”; we are actually told to do it by Jesus Himself. Remember He said “Love your neighbour as yourself.”? Mark 12:31.
I don’t know about you, but I have to make a conscious effort in this endeavor—it doesn’t often come naturally! So having a “word” to bear in mind throughout the year really helps me, and hopefully this one will continue throughout each and every year! Imagine if we all went about our business with the desire to be a blessing to others…
Now before you think my halo will be a-glowing as I bless every poor unassuming individual I happen to encounter, please know that this is an aspiration—but one I will fail at miserably and forget continually and mess up royally. But the thing is, I’m going to really try. That’s all God asks of us, isn’t it? Willing hearts. Humble hearts. Hearts for Him…
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Blessings to YOU, my friend, as you are a blessing to others!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers. Check them out:
Love your word for the year. I am repeating a word I chose about 3 years ago and trying to expand my thoughts on it
The word is “BE” . BElieve BE a Blessing. Be a listener etc…. I guess, just as you say, live in the present. Thanks for sharing….
Hi Marion— thanks for stopping by! “BE” is such a tiny word with such enormous potential… and a great one to carry throughout the year. Hope you get chance to BE still, too 🙂 Blessing to you, and a very Happy New Year!
You are so inspiring and practical in your writing. Thank you for what you share!
And thank YOU so much for your encouragement! Happy New Year to you 🙂
Laura,
What a wonderful focus: Being a blessing. Yes 🙂
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, Dolly! Blessings to YOU 🙂
I think focusing the year on being a blessing to others is a beautiful way to begin. Thank you for sharing at Weekend Whispers.
Thanks Barbie… my pleasure to share at Weekend Whispers. I appreciate your encouragement, as always 🙂 Blessings!
Laura, I love your word! What a great thought to be a blessing to others rather than thinking of “how to improve ourselves” or whatever other form the resolutions take. My word is open because I want to be open to all God has for me with curiosity and expectancy. But I hope that in the process of being open I will also be a blessing. Blessings to you!
Thanks for your encouragement, Gayl! I’m excited for you this year with your word “open”… that was mine for 2014 and I ended up saying yes to a missions trip to India, something I never dreamed of being open to! I know you will be a blessing to others with such an open heart 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Wow. I love your thoughts. As I get older in life and see others around pass at a very young age and never make it to retirement. I began to realize what life is, a Blessing. Thanks for sharing! #MeCoffeeandJesus
Hi there Lynn—thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂 Life surely is a blessing… and so is your encouragement! Blessings to YOU!
Last year I chose “now”, which is essentially the same as “present.” What a year! ha. It’s hard to stay in the present moment, but the benefits have been SO good.
So I’ve just been listening to an Andy Stanley sermon and he is turning resolutions on their head just like you are! He said instead of asking what do I need to change about me, ask what do I need to change “around” me? Which sounds to me like your new word “Blessing.” 🙂 Awesome choice! God is already working it through you.
Hey Lisa, thanks for popping over here 🙂 I really like the changing “around” me concept, that certainly adds a fresh perspective. You are a huge encouragement to so many… blessings to YOU for the coming year!