“…(she) introduced me to a shadow of my true self, touched something in me that was there but sleeping. That’s what artists do. They pull back the covering on our inner life, allowing us to see things beneath the surface, things that, without their compassion, creativity and generosity, we may have missed.”
– Emily Freeman, A Million Little Ways
One word. For the year. Last year I choose Stand. Perhaps it choose me.
As I began to try out some words for this upcoming year, I started with Diligence. I am not a diligent person. It seemed like a good idea. After 24 hours I scrapped it. Umm, yes I guess that reveals it would have been a good word for me. Maybe in 2015.
I let them come. And then go. Checking with my heart to see if they resonated.
I had an intuitive sense for the word that I was seeking. Something connected to setting my heart on things above. Something related to peeling back what prevents me from living fully, doing what I’m made to do. Discovering and acting. Something that the words Thirst and Awake were inching towards.
And then, with about 48 hours left in the year, my husband and I were at a bookstore. I picked up (and subsequently bought) Emily Freeman’s book, “a million little ways”. Right there on the cover as a subtitle it says ‘uncover the art you were made to live”.
Yes. Uncover. That is it.
Uncover what is in me that God is drawing out.
To become more aware of hidden gifts.
To throw off all that hinders and run with perseverance.
To walk alongside others as they uncover the tender places that God’s beauty is calling out to them.
Uncover the depth of redemption. Sweet and strong and courageous.
Uncover. What will this year have in store?
Do you have a word for 2014?
Linking with Trusting Tuesday
Thanks for the inspiration, Melanie!!
🙂
Melanie,
You’re no longer a loner in your tribe. I read about this website through a blog and loved the idea! I immediately thought of “uncover” as my one word for 2014 because I’ve been reading through “A Million Little Ways” as well! Then I typed it in here and found you so I had to respond to your post when I noticed your word was inspired by the book, too! ~Happy uncovering! 🙂
So glad you linked up with Trusting Tuesdays! (http://www.messymiddle.com/2014/01/21/trusting-tuesdays-oneword365-can-fleeces-be-used-to-check-the-future/) — I love your image for “Stand,” Do you have one for uncover? Can’t wait to see how this year reveals for you :)! See you next month, Melanie (or maybe sooner :))
I loved reading about your one word for this year. It reminds me of the delight of opening a beautifully wrapped gift on Christmas morning. There’s a wonderful sense of anticipation. I’ll look forward to learning more about the gifts in yourself and others that you uncover in 2014. I didn’t choose a word this year,but am regretting it. Having one word brings the year into sharp focus. Without it, I feel a bit adrift. Perhaps it’s not too late!