I've been picking a word of the year since 2011. Some years the word is easy to find and other years it takes me a while. Some years the word finds me and other years it takes me searching for the word. This year I really didn't worry about my word because I knew that eventually it would be clear. And then a word showed up on my radar. I really don't like that word. It's a hard word and I just couldn't say it out loud. When I finally told Jim, he had the same reaction that I did, so I kept waiting for confirmation of my word.
Just like in the past when I have searched for my word, I turned to my Bible. Just like in the past, I found a verse that led me to my word for the year. As an added bonus, the verse will help guide me along the way. I really feel like I need sound effects here...cue the drum roll please!
"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31
My word for 2023 is renew. I want to renew my strength, getting back to when I used to be able hike without getting winded, being able to have energy to do things again. I want to renew my study time. I have gone away from reading my Bible each day. I have a devotional that I read, but I don't spend time reading the Bible daily. I also need to renew my prayer time, spending time listening as well as talking. I want to renew our family time. We spend time together, but is it quality time? I want to make it quality time. I need to spend time renewing my relationships with my friends. I want to make time for them, time flies and before we know it, we are out of time.
I look forward to seeing how my year of renewal works out. I need to put the effort into my word in order to see the results. I am excited about my word of the year. Hopefully this year, I will actually take time to write about it as the year goes on. Writing is one of the things that I hope to renew this year!
