I loved the idea I got from other bloggers about choosing a word to focus on for the whole year. That is such a different concept for someone like me with a very short span of attention. As I sought the Lord about what word I should choose, the word
First I want to be attuned to the Spirit of God in my life. I want to listen for Him and follow His leading in my day to day life. Instead of the usual "Hey I'm doing this God, you can join me if you want..." that I often find as my mode of operation. This is going to mean choosing stillness and solitude in my life. I'm a flaming extrovert...I don't do solitude well. And I'm going to have to choose quiet my soul and learn to hear the Lord speaking to my heart. I don't do quiet well either. But I am anxious to learn and find out what God has in store for our relationship.
Secondly, I want to listen to my husband and kids. Often times I am only half paying attention. I want to give eye contact and listen to them, really listen. They deserve to be honored by me in this way.
Thirdly, I interrupt people. It's a nasty habit, but I know I do it. In my mind I think I'm being helpful, but it's not helpful. It's rude. I want to choose to listen well to others and, in so doing, prefer others over my own needs and desires.
I thought this would be a meaningful activity for the whole family to participate in. As is our tradition, when I think something will be meaningful it usually isn't. The meaningful moments in life tend to surprise me.
My husband, being an internal processor is still thinking about what word he will choose. My oldest took about 2 seconds to choose his which was "love", always a good thing to focus on. Now for the younger two, that's where things went a little awry.
Emmie went for the Sunday school answer thing. First it was an immediate answer of "God". I asked her to give it a little more thought. Then she said, "Okay, I know: Jesus." At this point, I felt a little sac-religious when I told her to again reconsider her answer. How could I argue with "the name that is above all names"?! But she thought some more. This time she came up with "How about Trinity?". I give up.
When asked what word he wants to focus on for the year Jack's answer was "Spiderman". What else would it be?
No matter what word we choose, or don't choose, I'm thankful that God will accomplish His purposes for us in the coming year.
listen
is what I sensed I should focus on. It has several different layers...
First I want to be attuned to the Spirit of God in my life. I want to listen for Him and follow His leading in my day to day life. Instead of the usual "Hey I'm doing this God, you can join me if you want..." that I often find as my mode of operation. This is going to mean choosing stillness and solitude in my life. I'm a flaming extrovert...I don't do solitude well. And I'm going to have to choose quiet my soul and learn to hear the Lord speaking to my heart. I don't do quiet well either. But I am anxious to learn and find out what God has in store for our relationship.
Secondly, I want to listen to my husband and kids. Often times I am only half paying attention. I want to give eye contact and listen to them, really listen. They deserve to be honored by me in this way.
Thirdly, I interrupt people. It's a nasty habit, but I know I do it. In my mind I think I'm being helpful, but it's not helpful. It's rude. I want to choose to listen well to others and, in so doing, prefer others over my own needs and desires.
I thought this would be a meaningful activity for the whole family to participate in. As is our tradition, when I think something will be meaningful it usually isn't. The meaningful moments in life tend to surprise me.
My husband, being an internal processor is still thinking about what word he will choose. My oldest took about 2 seconds to choose his which was "love", always a good thing to focus on. Now for the younger two, that's where things went a little awry.
Emmie went for the Sunday school answer thing. First it was an immediate answer of "God". I asked her to give it a little more thought. Then she said, "Okay, I know: Jesus." At this point, I felt a little sac-religious when I told her to again reconsider her answer. How could I argue with "the name that is above all names"?! But she thought some more. This time she came up with "How about Trinity?". I give up.
When asked what word he wants to focus on for the year Jack's answer was "Spiderman". What else would it be?
No matter what word we choose, or don't choose, I'm thankful that God will accomplish His purposes for us in the coming year.
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9 comments:
Missy- Your kids' answers are so sweet, especially Spiderman. OH yeah. Joey was soooo in to Spidey at one time. Now my little nephews are into him.
This is such a fabulous idea! I am going to pray about a word for me to consider. Thank you
At least Emmie's answers show a heart that wants to please you and please God. Perhaps self-introspection develops later. :)
I love this idea and your post about it. I love your heart, Miss.
Oh, 'listen' so needs to be my word...for the exact same reasons you listed below..I could've written that myself....great post and cute kid answers...so innocent, kristi
Spiderman!! Haha... and oh Emma..."I know: Jesus!...Trinity?" so priceless. What a good little sunday school response! :)
I'm not trying to dissuade you, because I think your listening idea is great...but I just wanted you to know: I always feel like you are a good listener!! Maybe God has just given you superhuman abilities to listen to me when we get together...? :)
I think if your word is listen, then Jack's should be "What?"
Great idea! I like your thoughts.
I just got your comment, you can find my email by clicking the typewriter in the sidebar of my blog. It's so nice to meet you!
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