Renew

During the first couple of days of 2016, I saw a lot of people posting about their #oneword for the year. Although I had a word for 2015, I hadn't given any thought to a word for this year.  Last year my word was "Now."  The meaning was twofold for me.  The first was a call to action, as in "Do it now."  I wanted to work on my tendency to put off unpleasant tasks.  I still have a long way to go in fighting this battle, but I do feel like I have made some growth in this area.  The second meaning was a reminder:  God has the power, and He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or even imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21).  When I am lost, stuck, fretting, fearful...God has the power.  He can handle whatever situation I find myself in.  All I have to do is let Him.

I mulled over the idea of keeping "Now" for my word.  It just didn't feel right.  As I went about my daily living, I had this feeling like I needed a focus word, but I had no idea what it should be.  In one quiet, almost desperate moment, my heart whispered, "God, do you have a word for me this year?"  

I think I was almost afraid to ask.  What if He said no?  But what if he said yes?  What does He see me needing to work on?  Do I really want to know?

The answer came, rather swiftly.  Not in a whisper and not in a whirlwind.  But I knew it was from Him.

RENEW.

This response made me sing on the inside.  Renew.  It is perfect for how I have been feeling.  Renew.  I should have known that my God could do no less than give me a individualized, tailored word just for my own unique circumstances.  

He is not calling me to a place halfway around the world.  He is not calling me to a new career or to be something that I am not.  He is calling me to the life He has already given me.  This is the place where He wants me to be right now.  He is calling me to look around and take notice of what is around me.  Do what I am already doing, but make it new again.  Refine it, develop my skills, take hold of my life, own it.

What if I looked at everything in my life with the same joy that I experience when I begin to see winter rolling out and spring start popping up all over?  I could renew the areas in my life in the same way that trees bud out with new leaves.  Be the same me, but with a newness and a freshness that is exciting to behold.

RENEW.

For me, renew is abut a fresh start each day.  Renew my time with God and with His Word each day.   I feel like that time had become routine and lackluster.  I was rushing through so I could get to the next thing.  Approaching God's throne as a task on my checklist instead of a personal invitation to sit at the feet of the One who made me.  

One Sunday afternoon, I happened on to a couple of quiet hours at my house while Todd took the kids to the farm.  I poured a cup of coffee and opened my Bible.  I was so hungry for some quality time with my Savior that I sat there for nearly two hours reading and reflecting.  Wow.  I so needed that.

RENEW.

I found three verses that really spoke to me about the idea of renewal.  I may end up writing about all three of them at some point.  The one that resonated most has long been a favorite.  Psalm 51:10 tells us, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; renew a right spirit within me."

in this year, I am seeking to renew myself.  Renew my heart, soul, mind, and body.