a word for the new year

As I sat reflecting on the past year and thinking about the one to come, I attempted to create a list of resolutions. I tried to envision what the year would hold and set goals accordingly. To dream, think big, come up with a plan with strategic steps to get where I want.

But the truth is: a} I’m terrible at goal setting and b} 2012 was so beyond what I could have imagined, there’s nothing in me that wants to limit 2013 to my nearsighted vision.

So instead, I quietly prayed for a word to represent a direction for me in the new year. Honestly, I didn’t expect an answer. But nearly instantly, the word embrace came to mind. I thought about it for a bit. Talked to Ryan. Prayed a little more. And, yes, I now have a word.

To embrace means to clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection, as in a hug. It can also mean to include as part of something broader. But my favorite definition {and the one I’ll be working on this year} is to take up willingly or eagerly.

Here’s something about me: I love change when I initiate it; I hate it when I don’t. Rearranging the furniture is no big deal as long as I get to decide where everything goes. Present a new opportunity or idea that causes an old system to change and I’ll undoubtedly receive it with skepticism. I’ll resist at first, then gradually warm up to the idea and probably grow to love it, but it takes me time to get there {and a little bit of kicking and screaming – only a very grown-up version called silence}.

I don’t want to be like that.

There’s an element of control that rules my life and what it really says is that I don’t trust.

To embrace is the absolute opposite of the resistance I so often meet both new opportunities and trivial annoyances with. It means accepting willingly, even eagerly. It means trusting that even though it is new or different or maybe even slightly inconvenient or disrupts our daily schedule or brings change, it can still be good.  It may even be great.  But more importantly, if it causes my heart to become more grateful and trusting, it is what’s best.

I don’t know what this year will be like. I certainly have high hopes and a few things on the calendar. But what I want more than anything is to trust that whatever comes our way, we will embrace it. Not because it is perfect or just what I always wanted, but because it is what the Lord has for us. Sometimes those things are obviously good {like a magazine photo shoot – for real!!} and sometimes more ordinary {like a houseful of neighbor kids with their shoes strewn throughout the house}. No matter if it’s amazing or difficult, life-changing or easily overlooked, it’s all for His glory.

I choose to embrace it.

Cheers to 2013.