I used to spend every New Year’s morning with my Bible, my thoughts and my Lord.
I wrote each family member’s name in my journal and waited for the Holy Spirit to give me a verse to pray for them for the next year.
I would end with my own name and ask God what good works He had planned for me.
When I look back over these journals I realize that what I had essentially been doing for decades was asking God for “One Little Word” to focus my energy, resources and attention each year.
I honestly believe that every human on the face of the Earth is here for a reason. They are not a random collection of cells and neurons. They are created in the image of an Almighty God to impact the people around them in specific ways.
So I challenge you to ask the God of the universe to give you One Little Word for 2018.
And then hold every potential commitment up to that light to determine if it is really part of God’s plan for you this year.
For some of my hurting parent friends the word may be “healing” or “rest” and that’s just fine. For others it may be “endurance” or “perseverance” and that’s fine too.
It’s between you and God.
May you hear clearly and receive with open hands.
thelifeididntchoose 