The last few years I’ve seen a lot of people sharing about picking a word for the New Year. I always thought it seemed like a neat practice, but never felt inspired when picking a word, until this year.
This year my word came to me during Advent. I tried to watch the daily emails from Dynamic Catholic, and one particular video really resonated with me. In the video Matthew Kelly spoke about God as the Great Encourager and how we should mirror this role of encourager in the lives of those around us. As I reflected on this I realized two things:
– I don’t really view God as the Great Encourager. I think I’m stuck in the striving to do/be better and the realization that I often feel so far from the person I am called to be, that I view God as a tally keeper.
– My distorted view of God keeps me from being the great encourager I want to be for the people in my life.
And thus my 2021 word was born: ENCOURAGE. In 2021 I want to work on seeing God differently. I’m hoping to do through prayer, spiritual reading and seeking a spiritual director. I also want to work on being a more encouraging person. Speaking words of affirmation doesn’t come naturally to me, but I want to learn to do it! For my kids, especially. I know they hear a lot of negative, and I want to work on that. I want to write more letters, “how are you” texts, and “hang in there” messages. More happy mail, porch drop offs and more truly listening. I want to look for the good and call it out in all that I do. I think this year everyone could use a little encouragement, right?
This is the verse(s)I chose:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11
And a Saint Quote for inspiration: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” St. Theresa of Calcutta
I’m curious, do you pick a word for the year? How do you choose it? What word is speaking to you this year?
Meg
