Once again, I prove that I am a terrible, terrible blogger/journaler. It has been almost an entire year since my last post. So now I find myself trying to figure out my next word. My first year, I focused on what I needed and how I should change. Last year, I tried to focus on His character and what I could learn about Him from focusing on the one aspect of Him. To be honest, I'm not entirely certain that either was the right approach.
First, I was too self-centered. I was focused on me, me, me, and how I could change and what I needed to do. Not that I didn't need to change (let's be real, I still do) but I focused all on me.
Then, I neglected myself entirely. Sounds about right, doesn't it? From one extreme to the other, as the pendulum swings. My body reacts the same way. I overreact one direction and then go the complete opposite under-reaction to attempt to heal and regain equilibrium.
This year, I realize that I need to change my perspective and approach. Yes, I need to select a word that will help me. But I also need to select a word that will help me grow closer to Him and more like Him. My goal should not be to become a more perfect mother, wife, friend, employee, daughter, citizen, or anything else. My goal should be to learn about the character of God, draw nearer to Him, and focus on becoming more like Him. That's my why. That's my motivation. Yes, if successful I will be a better person and that will benefit all with whom I interact. Most importantly, it will help me be more like my Savior.
Perhaps, too, I should be reflecting upon not just the character of God, but also His commands. What does he say about being, doing, or acting a certain way? What does His word reveal to me about how He has created me? How He has designed all of us?
There are a few concepts that have been placed in my mind and I will mull over to select my final word. I am in the early stages of researching corresponding verses.
Mouths
Words.
Tongue.
Quiet.
They are all interconnected, aren't they? A common theme. Ultimately, they do relate back to my previous two themes. Gentleness (because I tend to be very harsh in my words) and Intentional (because I do not always reflect before speaking). Clearly, this collection of words is an area in which I need to focus, because words have great power. Isn't that the thesis of this whole exercise? Words have power. I need to wield them for good. If I can change how I use my words/mouth/tongue, not only can I transform myself but potentially those upon whom my words land.
