I had heard of the tradition where people choose {or are given by God} a word for the year.
To be honest, I was a little eye-rolly {an obviously made-up term, but accurate, nonetheless} about it in years past, mostly because I didn't really understand it.
On my birthday, last year {October 2012}, I heard God say some pretty clear statements of what the next year would hold for me...for my growth.
And, this year {2013}, on my birthday, as I reflected on all that had passed, all that had been reconciled, all of the despair that had been replaced with joy, I wept and thanked God for those sentences that had been so BIG and cryptic at the start of the year, and so rich and incredibly meaningful at the end.
Though I heard a few more sentences on my birthday this year--and believe that, on my drive to work on October 24, 2014, I will be in tears again as I reflect on the ways God's presence and provision has manifested in my life--I hesitantly prayed for a few words that would be a glimpse of what 2014 will hold for me.
And, in the listening, I heard
FEARLESS and HOPEFUL
I could try and explain what I think these words will mean, but I know that whatever I write here will pale in comparison to all that God will do this year.
I mean, it's only January 15th and I already feel like my life has been really wonderfully shaken up.
I am eagerly anticipating all of the goodness, growth, healing, mercy, and laughter
that will come from so many painful steps, awkward conversations, vulnerable confessions, tearful prayers, and honest friendships.
