Word for the Year

My very first blog post ever.

       Wow. I am really doing this. In the midst of my hectic life I have decided to start a blog. A place to share what is on my heart and to be real with myself and the world. I don't want staged photos of my less than perfect house or only glowing reports of the highlights of my days with my family. Why? Because in my life I am encouraged when I see people being real. We don't have it all together. I don't glory in the failures of others, I acknowledge that they are imperfect humans who need the grace of God in their lives just as much as I do. We don't need the false examples of social media perfection. We need the knowledge that God loves us right where we are. Struggling, lonely, laughable, beautiful souls who need to keep going when the going gets tough. So I want to offer you encouragement as I share my faith, family, homeschool and life with whoever chooses to read it.


     Now on to this business of my word for the year. I don't usually do New Year's Resolutions but I started keeping a bullet journal this year as a creative outlet (which I am  enjoying) and I have been inspired to become a little more goal oriented than just a go-with-the-flow kinda gal. I enjoy seeing goals that others set and aspire to accomplish and I have a few of those in place this year but this whole idea of having a "theme word" to focus on is appealing to me on many levels. The simplicity of remembering one word is a bonus for this over 40 mom with serious brain fog. Having something to refocus my attention and time will bless my whole family and give me a prayer focus. Sooooo, what is my word, you ask?

PRESENT

In the moment. Focused on the people I am with, not my device or my to-do list or what I am making for dinner. I feel like I have missed many moments waiting on the next event on the calendar. The way that you can't wait to be 16, or 21, or in a relationship or whatever your "next thing" is. The spirit of discontent that drives our society is something I want less of. I want to nurture a grateful spirit and enjoy what is. More Mary and less Martha. 

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."



In this ever encroaching technology-driven world we live in it is increasingly hard to practice this. There aren't just husband, children, work and home vying for attention. We are bombarded with things calling for instant attention and so many ways to check out of reality. We become slaves to the things that were intended to make life easier. So this year I want to be engaged, set limits, and if I don't accept an invite or respond to a message from you right away, don't take it personally. I am in the moment and present elsewhere. 

So how about you? Is God laying something on your heart to focus on? Do you have a word picked out for 2019 yet? I would love to hear from you. Share your word or how you stay present in your life. Let's help each other along the way!