So, here's the truth... I don't really like this word. I wanted something cute like "simplify" or "dwell" that I could write in a fancy font on the chalkboard over my mantle. Deep down, I've known this was going to be "my word" for weeks now (maybe months even); but, I must admit that I've spent the better part of the last few days racking my brain for something softer, happier, prettier sounding. Something not so religious or deep. A more blog-worthy word. I even researched synonyms for surrender, but "cede," "abandon," and "capitulate" didn't exactly do it for me either. ;)
It was New Year's Eve before it hit me that if I couldn't even surrender control over something as simple as a word, it probably is an area where God wants to stretch me. (Ugg.)
I realize this is totally lame sounding; but, in the end, my word chose me this year; and there is simply no avoiding it.
Surrender.
It is a word, a message, I have heard over and over and over again in my life. But, recently, it has been spoken even LOUDER and CLEARER through the voices of dear friends, the teaching and writing of respected pastors, authors, etc., and, well, the reality that I can.not.get.it.out.of.my.head. That's got to mean something, right?
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what this even means to me and
my life right now. I have no stinking idea where to begin to surrender
or what the process will look like (and, frankly, it scares me a little lotta bit). But, I'm up for the challenge...
Here is my prayer for January 1st and all 365 days after it:
Ok God, I know that things are MUCH better when I stop trying so hard and let you be in control. I know that I will only find true freedom and peace through surrender to you. Please help me to trust you and rest in the truth that you make even imperfections perfect. I'm all in.
Here's to a year of surrender!
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What is your word for 2013? I'd love to hear it in the comments.
(I'm linking with www.oneword365.com.)
mine is 'yes', I'm planning to not let any opportunities pass me by in 2012 because I'm too scared for no reason at all! x
ReplyDeleteI don't have a word picked out, but this has got me thinking that maybe I need to! I love that your word chose you, not lame at all.
ReplyDelete"Praise"
ReplyDeleteI read 1,000 gifts last year and loved it. It makes you realize how important it is to thank God for the little everyday things. Jen
"healthy"
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to live a year of health!!!
I was mulling this idea over yesterday after a friend told me about her word for the year. My word "chose" me like yours did: "Rejoice!" (perhaps a product of listening to so much Christmas music!). :-)
ReplyDeleteI have been really stressed and overwhelmed by my endless work, home, and personal To Do Lists and I think this will help me focus on the positive and what truly matters, and appreciate the present moment. I am excited and energized by it!
My word for 2013 is CONTROL. And just like you, my word chose me. I feel like parts of my life are out of control & I'm going to take back control. I blogged about it here: http://lifehappens-jennifer.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-little-word-2013.html
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
I wrote about my one word today too! It is SIMPLIFY. I love your word. Such a good one.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Your word is great. Right now I'm not sure if I could pick just one word. Right now I think it would have to be JOY or FOCUS. Maybe the word will reveal itself more as we move into 2013. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSurrender is a good one...really good. This is the first year I chose a word and mine is self-control!
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!!! Love love love love love love YOU! So proud of you my dear friend. What a great post. Excited to walk beside you on your year of surrender
ReplyDeleteLea, what's your word? Maybe yours is "baby," too. :)
DeleteI really don't have a word... At least nothing is coming to me yet. Usually I have a strong sense about what the coming year may be but not 2013! I'll keep you posted ;)
DeleteSurrender...hmmmm...sounds like a lot of people like your word, even if you don't like it. :) Can mine be "baby" or maybe "prepare" or "life"? My New Year's goal is both the simplest and most difficult: Have a baby. (Congrats on your 1,000,000 view btw. That's awesome!)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a perfect word. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI love how you pick a word for each year! I don't have a word. Maybe I should. Oh, wait. Yes I do. I've got it. FREEDOM. That's my word. Maybe I will finally blog about this... it's been something on my heart for a few months now...
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post. Surrender is hard, but what a great word... bet God has some great things in store for you in 2013!
I LOVE THIS!!! It is so important to surrender!!!
ReplyDeleteDo not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Thanks for posting this!
www.chrisburkmenn.com
love it! Can't wait to hear more :)
ReplyDeleteLove this word! Can't wait to see your follow up posts. :) I just posted about mine : Content. I know that following these words will be challenging, but we can do it mamma!
ReplyDelete~Kelli
22fiftythree.blogspot.com
Hi there! I am a new reader, but I taught at OGE for years, and know your mom. Anyway, I have been reading blogs for YEARS, and didn't realize you had one. I can't wait to catch up on reading it. And, my word for this upcoming year is JOY! :)
ReplyDeleteThis must have been God...
ReplyDeleteI just started blogging again, and in church today, my Sunday School teacher challenged us to choose one word for 2013 to live by and further our walk with God.
We are going to search for verses in the Bible to go along with our words, and help hold each other accountable throughout the year. I'm so excited...
...and then I stumbled onto your blog! I am now a follower. :)
Found you through The Lettered Cottage - great blog! My word for 2013 is HOPE.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea, sure makes you think before you act.
ReplyDeleteMy word is LEARN. I am very new to blogging. I am looking to connect with other moms for motivation, tips and any thing I can learn. Follow me if you like I am a blog virgin with no followers.
ReplyDelete