2012 Word

As this year began, I watched several of my blogging friends reveal words for the year rather than making resolutions. Their intent was to study the word God gave them throughout the year, pray over it and see what He wanted to do in that area of their lives. I was completely intrigued by this, and encouraged by the challenge they threw out. So I decided to pick a word too.

I knew God was already working on my focus of blessings this year. Training me to focus on blessings rather than problems. Pushing me to see how I could be a blessing to people around me. I decided ‘Blessings’ would be a great word for the year.

Until God nudged me. Reminded me that He was supposed to give the word, not have me pick it.

So I started to pray again. God was working on another area of my life, one He’s been shaping for over a year now—having courage. Stepping out when He calls. Shedding my “what-ifs.” I decided ‘Fearless” was the perfect word.

And I got nudged again. “Hands off” is pretty much what I was told. To which I replied, “Um…are you looking at a calendar here? Everyone else has their word. You know, the one for 2012—the year that’s already started? So, where’s mine?”

He was silent. Don’t you love it when He does that?

Now, I’d told a friend that I tend to be a late bloomer. Things for me don’t always happen at the same time as they do for others—especially when we’re talking about God. But can I admit something? I hate being late. Hate it as in I freak out. Ask my kids. I am cool and calm unless we are running behind. Then I turn into a screaming drill sergeant. Yeah, I’m working on it. But that’s another post.

So I sat, tapping my fingers on God’s counter, very impatiently waiting for my word. And I waited. And waited.

It was while I was waiting that I felt God looking at me. A gentle smile. Eyebrows raised. Almost like I was missing something. I raised my brows back. Shrugged. Completely missing what was so obvious. And because He loves me, He leaned down and whispered:

Time.

Hmmm...it promises to be an interesting year. And just like I was challenged, I hope to challenge you. You may be a bit late to the game, like me, but that doesn't mean you can't join. Pray over what God wants you to learn this year. Pray over where He wants you to grow. I'd love to hear what He whispers to you-whether it's one word or a whole paragraph:) And if you've already started down the path for 2012, how has it been going? Are you digging in or already finding bumps in the road? Which ever it is, I hope you put a mark on the wall today and keep checking back on it to see how far He grows you.