I know, I know, we’re all pouring out our goals and resolutions and even our “one word” for 2017 —there’s just something fresh and appealing about starting the year with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Personally, I’m not a fan of anything I can dismally fail at, so resolutions are a no-no. Goals are cool, and I have plenty for 2017—some lofty and others teeny-tiny (and achievable!) But I’m a wordy girl and therefore the #oneword365 is my favourite, as I get to focus on one word throughout the whole year. And my “one word” is…
Isn’t it the best? Some years I’ve had scary ones like “OPEN” (yeah, I ended up in India) and last year’s “BLESSING” was kinda nice but kinda innocuous and safe. “GRACE” is one those words that makes you simply exhale. But there’s such depth in it, such profound beauty, and practical application—”Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.” (Matthew Henry) It’s something we can never fully grasp, but is always fully given by our loving heavenly Father. It’s also something I need to work on in my attitude and relationships with others…
For me, I think of grace as a triple-whammy:
- GOD’S GRACE TO ME—that amazing, free gift that I in no way deserve or could ever hope to earn. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
*I want to dig in deeper and learn more about God’s grace.
- GRACE GIVEN TO OTHERS—that kindness and compassion shown to our friends, strangers, family, neighbours, and anyone in between, even if they don’t “deserve” it—actually, especially when they don’t deserve it! “I receive grace. And through me, grace could flow on. Like a cycle of water in continuous movement, grace is meant to fall, a rain…again, again, again.” (Ann Voskamp)
*I want to show grace to others freely—with a good dose of patience, kindness, and generosity.
- GRACE TO MYSELF—this may seem self-absorbed, but in reality we are told in the Bible to love others as we love ourselves. Many of us are way too critical with our work, home, mothering, health, fitness, bodies, or even ministry: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.” (Anne Lamott)
*I want to do the very best I can in all areas, but allow myself some grace and leave the pressure of perfectionism outside the back door.
So… I’m going to need wisdom for sure. And I’ll find it in God’s Word and in listening for His voice. Grace is going to be on my mind and in my heart—feel free to remind me when I’m not being very grace-full!
Oh, that this would be my desire for 2017! That my supreme treasure would be “GRACE”— God-given, glorious grace. That I would seek His wisdom and be a conduit of that grace every single day to everyone I encounter! And if and when I mess up… there’s always grace! Are you with me? 🙂
Do you have “one word” for this year? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear what it is.
All the grace to you for 2017, friends!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
