Happy New Year, Friends! Can you believe it’s 2024?
The older I get, the more quickly a year passes by. I was in Publix a few days ago, engaged in a long conversation with the checkout clerk about how fast November and December seemed to go. I feel ancient when I speak like this, yet it’s true. Looking back at pictures from last Christmas, I can see how much older my kids are. Not just their size – yes they’re taller – but also the maturity in their faces. They aren’t babies anymore. I love watching them grow yet with their growth comes my aging. And I don’t love that.
But back to 2024.
Every year I pick a word – a theme, if you will, of what the year holds for me. I listen to what God is speaking to my heart and when I hear His still small voice, I write down the word He gives. The past years include words like
Enough
Wonder
Celebrate
Cultivate
Last year’s word was presence, and in January, I had images of me basking in the presence of Jesus, the presence of my family. But what really happened was much different – about halfway through the year, I felt very far from the presence of Jesus. Up until June, I’d felt Him near. I’d heard Him guide me in decisions, big and small. I’d seen Him answer prayers. But something fell apart in the summer and suddenly He wasn’t as near as He was before. Obviously, that something was me. I was the reason He wasn’t as near, so as 2024 begins, I’m drawing closer again. Praying that He would keep me close to Him.
All the words I’ve chosen in the past were meaningful words; words I needed in that particular season of my life. I can look back and recall something from those years that I needed to learn, and those words helped me do just that.
This year the word I’ve picked, that’s been chosen for me, is THRIVE.
When I think of the word thrive, I think of “blooming where I’m planted.” I actually greatly dislike that phrase but the more I dwell on it, the truer it becomes. You see, most days, I’m just trying to survive. Not in the literal sense, obviously, but emotionally, spiritually, with my energy levels. I’m just trying to survive.
This year, though, I want to thrive! I want to thrive in my home with my family. I desire to have a family who loves Jesus and who loves each other. I want us to enjoy each others’ company, because as I’m realizing, the years are fleeting.
I want to thrive in my relationships. I desire deep relationships, friends who I can share my life with.
I want to thrive in my church, serving the Lord in whatever way He asks. I want to be a faithful steward of what He’s given me, whether it’s teaching or singing or opening my home to fellowships and Bible studies.
I want to thrive at work. I’m content at the school where I work as a speech pathologist. I love my fellow teachers and staff, and even though I’m still settling in, I know it’s the place where I’m meant to be in this season. But it’s a hard and stressful job and I often feel ill-equipped. I’m desperate to thrive there instead of leaving in tears and exhaustion some days.
I’ve searched many scriptures which focus on elements of thriving. Here are a few:
“He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3 NASB
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.”1 Peter 4:10 NASB
“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” Galatians 6:9 NASB
So this year, I’m asking the Lord to help me yield fruit where I’m planted, serving Him and others without becoming discouraged and weary. Let it be, Dear Lord.
What are you asking God for this year? Do you choose a word of the year or a theme? Leave a comment and let me know. I can’t wait to hear from you!