I am a reflector and dreamer—reminiscent of the past, yet eyes wild for the future. So fresh starts, clean slates and new years hold dear places in my heart. There are 100 things I would like to say about 2017. It marked the birth of our sweet Ruby and a “yes, God” that led our family on an adventure that is changing the course of everything. 2017 was new and raw. It was sleepless yet fruitful. It left me feeling exhausted yet so crazy full. And as I think on all that was and all that 2018 will be, I’m challenged, as many others have done, to choose a word to define the year ahead.
Abide.
This word has been spoken to me and over me. I have heard it in my heart in worship and in the stillness of my quiet time with Jesus (be it ever so rare this past year). As 2017 was filled with “yes!” and “go!”, adventures and discovery, I have heard God’s invitation to a deeper place with Him in the year ahead.
Abide.
This year was wild and crazy and I ran with new things and the things thrown at me. But in the midst of its messiness and beauty I defaulted to what I always do…just keep moving. One thing after the next. Do the dishes. Feed the baby. Finish the email. And somehow time with Jesus, the quiet time to listen and just BE, was pushed to the very fray of my days.
2018 will mark deep change for our family, and if I’m not careful, I will run right past and through the beauty and challenge, instead of patiently waiting on and learning from the Author and Perfector of this story I’ve been given.
Abide.
I want to lean into His truth and His direction instead of forging my own path. I want to become so familiar with the sound of His voice that I don’t miss the nudges and whispers. I want to know His heart and feel His love and pain for those around me in new ways. And I want to live His ministry on this earth in the way He created me to—in the way only I can.
Abide.
Last week when I opened a Christmas gift from a sweet friend it confirmed so much. A dishtowel with one word:
Abide.
So I say “yes, God.” I whole-heartedly accept this invitation to a deeper place with Him.
Cheers to a new year, my friends. Do you have a word you want to cling to in 2018? If so, share yours below!
/// “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 ///
