Word for 2013 – chosen

Welcome to the first day of a new year. I know a lot of people get caught up in goal setting and resolution making this time of year. I used to do those things. Until I read a blog post a few years ago that changed that behavior for me.  Christine Kane writes eloquently about why those activities ultimately fail and gives us a new way to think about the new year.  I encourage you to read what she says; it will only take 2-3 minutes of your time.  Reading it will also help you understand why I am talking about choosing a word for this year.

I played with the word “authentic” for 2013, but it doesn’t quite fit for what I want my year to be.  My thoughts are centered around the constant struggle of balancing what I want to do with what I need to do and with what others think I should be doing.  Don’t we all struggle with that???  While thinking of “authentic” I was mulling over how that word could help me choose between the various activities and make decisions based on whether those activites were authentic to the person I want to be and the life I want to live.  The more I looked at definitions, though, the more the word didn’t really ‘work’ for my goals; the more the word just didn’t “fit”.

I re-read Christine Kane’s blog post and her list of words and one jumped right off the page for me.  It encompasses the root of the struggle I find myself in. I believe it will guide my decisions in a  good way. The word itself makes me happy.

Delight: something that gives great pleasure or satisfaction; JOY

I love my word!  As I move through this year, I will be guided by the question(s) does this person or activity bring me pleasure, satisfaction, or joy? Does it bring pleasure, satisfaction, or joy to the Lord? How much more simple can life be?  Do what God wants you to do; become who God wants you to be; Do what makes you Joyful. I Thessalonians 5:16

wow!  I am happy, joyful, and delighted to have my word for 2013!!!!

I wish each of you a very happy New Year and a blessed 2013.