The thought of claiming One Word to concentrate on this year never even crossed my mind. Are you kidding me ... with everything coming at us from every which way, leaving us all out of sorts, unsettled, and simply living one day at a time?
Truth be told, I had jumped on the One Word bandwagon back in 2013 and again in 2014 just because it was the thing to do. {Not exactly a decent decision making platform, right?} Before I knew it, my good intentions seemed to vanish into the wind and it wasn't long 'til I wouldn't have known my chosen mantra if it hit me in the head.
I was never purposeful in my pursuit of putting those words to work in the dailyness of life and that was the end of the subject.
A month or so ago, my friend Lisa started spreading the word {no pun intended} that she not only had a One Word, but she was going to create an intentional community for other like-minded souls.
I love community and decided to go for it.
I settled on a One Word at least 6 times, but just wasn't feeling it. And then one morning I read this challenge from Chuck Swindoll and I knew I'd hit gold -
'Serendipity occurs when something beautiful breaks into the monotonous and the mundane. A serendipitous life is marked by surprisability and spontaneity. When we lose our capacity for either, we settle into life's ruts.
We expect little, and we're seldom disappointed.
Though I have walked with God for several decades, I must confess I still find much about Him incomprehensible and mysterious. But this much I know: He delights in surprising us. He dots our pilgrimage from earth to heaven with amazing serendipities.'
I'm intrigued by what it would look like to enter into each day with eyes wide open and heart fully expectant. To capture the delightful, the winsome, the joyful, the amazing, especially now. Focusing on the little things that normally would escape notice. Claiming gratitude in the discoveries of 'whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy {Philippians 4:8}.
Serendipity.
I'm keeping it simple, short, and sweet. Because life is already complicated enough. And I have no idea what's around the next corner.
Linda
<< Don't Overthink It * Session #2
I have no idea either Linda. I am simply trusting in the One who does. In fact, I'm glad I don't know. Makes life more interesting you know? Hope you experience God's interruptions and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThis is a season of digging deeper into our love relationship with Christ. 'When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay!'
Delete"Focusing on the little things that normally would escape notice." This seems so perfect for you right now in this season you're walking, Linda. My prayers are with you as "enter into each day with eyes wide open and heart fully expectant."
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy for us to get caught up and dragged along in our tired ruts, especially when we're not out and about like we'd love to be. Meanwhile, God is whispering delightful blessings into our lives!
DeleteHe is worthy of our attention ... and our praise!
Serendipity - what a great word. I want to be noticing everything God does.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2021! I'm expecting great things.
Oh yes, you had a rough patch last year! I hope you are regaining your health and feeling stronger.
DeleteBless you, Jerralea!
It took awhile but I'm feeling more like myself. I'm now having enthusiasm for life!
DeleteI am so grateful!
DeleteLinda, what a perfect word for this year. I love God surprises, they are all around if we only notice. I had a word for last year for the first time ever. I have one on my mind, but so far have not posted. Have a wonderful day dear friend!
ReplyDeletePam, hi! Our confusion and grief and unsettled spirits so easily block the delights He yearns to show us.
DeleteI'm anticipating!
One word, 'serendipity'?
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's pretty good;
I don't want to be snippety,
but it's not one that I would
choose as my word for the year
(though I'm glad it's one you bring);
it's just that, for me, I fear
all the syllables in the thing.
I like to keep it short and sweet,
and memorable would be a plus,
so I can just put up my feet,
and it came to be that thus
I found a word to fit my mood,
and, my friend, that word is "Dude!"
Yep! Dude fits you to a T! You nailed it, pal!
Delete;-}
I think it's a great word Linda. My word as you know is JOY and my verse...The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10 I surely have found myself remembering that true JOY comes from the Lord. Hugs and blessings to you. Cindy
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Cindy, His Joy and your zeal for life shine through your every post! I'm grateful He's connected us in recent months.
DeleteYou're good for me.
Ah, the adventure of traveling this journey with the Lord! I like your chosen word and look forward to reading how your year takes shape with serendipity continually in your view.
ReplyDeleteKim, welcome! And thanks for your encouraging words. I'm figuring out what might be the best way to keep serendipity a continual, noticeable thread through the months ahead ...
DeleteThe perfect word, Linda! God is ready to surprise and delight us when we least expect it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes! Eyes on Him!
DeleteI love this, Linda! I had a favorite book when I was a child called Serendipity and that's when I learned, "Finding something valuable, where you didn't expect to find it, that's serendipity!" I was in love with that little book about a pink and purple sea dragon! Back in 2011 (how time flies!) I actually did a series of blog posts for several months called Serendipity Sunday, all about finding wonderful things that I hadn't expected to find during the week. I'm thrilled that you're taking on this perspective for 2021 and can't wait to see where God takes you!
ReplyDeleteYes! I well remember Serendipity Sunday!
DeleteAn immediate visit to memory lane this afternoon, June ...
Linda, I think “serendipity” is a lovely word for 2021! I’m looking forward to seeing reading about how it guides you this year. I also appreciate your approach to words fo the year—not to jump on a bandwagon, but to join a community. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking most of us are yearning for a greater sense of community, since much of what we enjoyed pre-covid has been dramatically altered. I'm so grateful that the blogging community has not only remained steady since we never did see each other face to face, but also that it's taken on greater strength as we navigate and reimagine and celebrate what community looks like.
DeleteLove that!
I like the word "serendipity". I like because it sounds classic and maybe a word Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables would use. I would definitely name my daughter Serendipity if my husband would agree😁
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I will need to post this weekend what word I want (or rather the Lord) to focus on.
I do believe I'd do the same, Regina! However, I doubt there will be any more children around here {haha!}, but the name sure is a pretty one ...
DeleteAt 60 years of age, I doubt very much my body is going to grow a baby. It would have to be an immaculate conception because I had a hysterectomy several years ago.
DeleteI love your word, and your explanation of it is beautiful, Linda. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut. I pray you have many delight-discovering moments. I read in your comment at Lisa's that your mom has COVID. I'm so, so sorry. May God bring her through this and give all of you strength and peace for each moment! Love and blessings to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Trudy! God has been merciful, her case is mild, she's had her immunizations, she's getting really good care. Sadly, we haven't seen her since the end of November because of the pandemic ... and I don't see that the doors will be opening any time soon.
DeleteOur faith is being stretched and grown. So MUCH is out of our control. His mercies are new every morning. I'm so grateful.
What a great word for 2021, Linda! I'm already partial to the word serendipity, loving the very sound of it (just rolls off the tongue, you know?). And reading your post gives me a fuller sense of the meaning of the word to go along with my love of its sound. My word for the year is practice ... and given my tendency to be quite averse to change, I think serendipity is one of the things I need to practice!
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, Lauren, it IS a very pretty word! Regina, a few comments back, would name another baby Serendipity if she could.
DeleteAnd if I was 45 years younger, I think I just might have joined her.
;-}
Great word! sounds fun, lively, and yet meaningful. I love how Lisa is inspiring us to listen to our word all year long. Let's keep encouraging eafch other
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right, Jean ... without that encouragement, we're sunk as we try to make it on our own.
DeleteFun and lively. Not words that would ordinarily describe me ... or my lifestyle! It'll be a God thing ...
;-}
What a great word for the year... because truly we do not know what lies around the corner, and we can live life more happily each day anticipating the moments as they come to us. I look forward to hearing how your word brings delight and happiness to your world :)
ReplyDeleteI'm aiming to focus on little blessings. There are too many heartaches and concerns that battle for our attention. He whispers peace, and that's where I want to be!
DeleteI think serendipity is one of the most inherently beautiful words in the English language. I used to read a book called "Serendipity" to my kids when they were little. It was about a purple dragon named Serendipity. I LOVE your word, friend. So excited to read about how it inspires you this year.
ReplyDeleteThat's so fun ... June way up at the top of the discussion was talking about the same dragon!
DeleteNow THAT'S serendipity!
;-}