By faith Abraham obeyed…not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8
We sat around the living room, all cozy, in pjs and comfy sweats and sweaters, fire blazing. New Years Day 2013. We’ve been gathering like this for many years. Such a blessing to share a new year with those you love and take a moment to reflect on what’s ahead.
I came across the One Word for the New Year concept last year. For me, this has been a powerful concept. I pray over the course of a couple of weeks, asking God to give me His one word for me for the New Year. I figure He knows me, He knows what’s coming, He’s my guide.
Yet, as we gathered and started sharing, I chose to go last. My word just wasn’t coming to me. Serve…Intentional…Purpose…Hmmmmm. What’ll it be?
I sat listening to everyone else’s words—Current, Finish, Motivate, Honoring, Marry, Choose, Courage, Breathe, Vivid. Such great words. I wanted to steal them, but at the same time, I wanted my own word! “Lord?”
And then it pierced my thoughts, sharply, clear and certain, “Change.” I nearly burst into tears. Because I knew this was a word I had considered, but dismissed. I don’t like the word. Well it’s not actually the word I don’t like. It’s the reality. I love routine and I’m resistant to change.
I explained my word, as I choked back the tears of recognition. The year ahead will bring many changes. One change will be the biggest since I birthed my first baby (miracle) almost 25 years ago. My youngest baby, in all her almost six feet, bright-red, curly headed 18-year-old glory, will leave for college in the Fall of 2013.
This will be a huge, almost unbearable change. All those years of active mothering, over? How can this be? What will I do? Who will I be?
And what about Chris and me? I’m so thankful for our 28 years. He’s my best friend. But just the two of us? Living together alone in a home echoing with the memory of sounds of scraped knees, voices singing, sibling spats, “Happy Birthday,” “Good night,” “Bye, Mom…Love you!”
Oh I know…
“The only constant is change.” “Change is good.” Oh, and here’s a convicting one, “When you are through changing, you are through.”
I know I will go on. There will be many other changes, good and bad, exciting and difficult, inevitable and surprising. Changing job opportunities, friendships, family dynamics. I will do my best to welcome change, adjust to change, entrust change to God.
And as I stretch and grow and gain and lose through the change ahead this year, I will carry this thought regarding my four beloved daughters, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” (For Good – Wicked, Stephen Schwartz)
What’s Your Story?
Have you chosen a New Word for the New Year? Maybe you’ve come up with another way to mark the New Year. I’d love to hear…
Elise Daly Parker has been married for 28 years and is mom to four mostly grown girls. She is a writer, editor, writing coach, and blogger. She believes we all have stories that matter--big life bios and small meaningful moments. Elise believes our stories are a reflection of God’s glory and are meant to be shared. They have the power to inform, reform, and transform. She loves God, family, friends...and really likes travel!