Many years ago my husband and I were challenged by the pastor of our church to come up with a word for the year. Something that would set the mood or theme for the entire year. He talked about how beneficial it had been for him. So we tried it and loved it as well. Now it’s an annual tradition.
Then the pandemic hit…and…let’s just say I neglected the tradition. My life felt like it was in a holding pattern. So what was the point of coming up with a word? Not to mention, I’ve been feeling stuck for some time, running fast and hard but never really getting anywhere. Much like a hamster on a hamster wheel.
Looking back, I now know it was a period of adjustment. I needed to embrace my new reality while saying goodbye to the old. This is the first year where I feel like I’ve finally gotten off that hamster wheel. So it’s time for me to find a new word this year. But not just any word. One that encapsulates everything I’m feeling and my hopes for 2023.
Finding the right word
Turns out it isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially since I’ve been out of practice. I’ve also discovered my vocabulary is very limited. I may have to subscribe to a word-of-the-day app to add more variety to my lexicon. But that’s neither here nor there, I just wanted to use the word lexicon in a sentence.
Anyway, the first word I chose was immeasurable. It’s such a beautiful word and flows so gracefully off the tongue. But as I thought about it, the more I realized I had no idea what the heck an immeasurable year meant? What is that? What does it even mean? More importantly, would it motivate me when I’m stuck? Probably not. So it was quickly rejected.
Then the ever popular fearless came up. It shouts strength and encouragement. And I loved that part of it. But it also means without fear and that’s not true for me. I want a word that not only says strength but acknowledges fear as well. Because I have fears and I don’t want to deny them, push them aside or pretend I don’t have them. Instead, I want to recognize them…call them out. So fearless didn’t work.
Then I thought about bravely. But it wasn’t sitting right either. It was almost there but not quite. I needed a battle cry. A word that would instantly boost morale, confidence and summon strength. Unfortunately, bravely wasn’t doing that for me.
Conqueror? It definitely had the right ring. Perhaps, more than conquerors?? It sounded great and I really wanted to love it. But it still didn’t feel right. Something was missing.
My word for 2023
So after much deliberating, I think I found my word. It acknowledges fear, embraces vulnerability but uses that as strength. And that’s what I want for this year.
It’s how to describe David when he faced a giant with 5 smooth stones and a slingshot. It’s queen Esther approaching the king uninvited. It’s a couple of ordinary fishermen casting their nets aside to follow Jesus. It’s courageous and it’s my word for this year.
Thanks again!