For the past few years I’ve done this pretty cool (to me, at least) thing where I pick a word or theme of the year. One year it was discipline, last year it was #toshowingup, and this year it is “dwell.”
I think we can all agree that the only thing most of us resolve to do is not follow through on our New Year’s resolutions, so, in place of that, a friend introduced me to choosing a word/theme for the year.
I like the consistency of learning how to implement a theme over the course of the year. I enjoy the process way more than the outcome. AND it’s a lot less pressure than having to stop drinking coffee and go to the gym 8 days a week starting January 1.
So here we are, 2016, and I’m going to dwell.
I want to learn what it means to be in the present with God and myself.
I want to stop being anxious over uncontrollable circumstances.
I want to know deep in my soul that my identity and value are unshakable in Christ.
I want to dwell in the presence of my Maker, resting in His goodness alone.
Merriam-Webster defines dwell as a verb that means, “to remain for a time.”
It is active, yet it is passive. You have to make the choice to remain somewhere.
It’s easy for me to talk about rest, and dwelling, and sitting, and remaining. It’s a WHOLE ‘NOTHER BALL GAME for me to actually do it for a time.
I’m decent at dwelling for a day or so, when it’s convenient for me. But this year, this go ’round, I want to dwell forever. I want the time to not have a frame – I want to be with Jesus and remain in Him.
I doubt I’ll have this whole dwelling thing figured out by 2017. If I do, maybe you could take me out for queso and I’ll tell you all the secret things.
But I am excited about what 2017 will look like because I will have dwelt with the Savior. I will continue to learn more and more every day what it means to have my identity anchored in the Unchangeable One.
This year will be one for the books (blogs) and I’m excited to share it with you.
*what is God calling you to in this coming year? Is there a theme or word you can own for 2016?
Kayla Smith 