one word: more

 

I’ve mentioned here before how much I love bright, shiny things and how tempted I am to make impulse purchases and spend far too much — even when spending for a valid reason or good cause. It is my nature to want and to do more. I’m the first to tell you that I have an obsessive personality. Just enough is just not enough. It’s too little. I work to perfection, I overdo almost everything, and I’m always thinking about what else there can be rather than settling into what already is. I’m the kind of person who can easily miss what’s right in front of her. And I often do. It’s not easy for me to be still and just live in the richness of the moment. But God is always at work in me.
 
During the past year I’ve become deliberate in how I view the world around me. I’ve taken time to unplug from the busyness, and I’ve challenged myself with a daily project designed to turn my focus outward and see all the beauty that exists around me. I’m learning to appreciate the moments of each day. And I’m learning to make do with what I have right now. I’m still obsessive and still have an addiction to “want,” but God is helping me channel those traits into more productive outlets. For now, that’s enough.

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This post was derived from the list of inspiration words gathered on Ali Edwards’s blog and from the concept of writing about one word.
 

celebrating my parents

 
Today my parents celebrate 43 years of marriage. A very long time ago they made a verbal promise to each other, in front of me and my sisters, to never divorce and to work through anything that threatened their relationship and us as a family. As their oldest child, born only two years into their marriage, I’ve been witness to some critical moments in their partnership, and I’ve seen them fight vehemently to restore harmony. I’ve seen tears and anguish and mistrust and honest, wrenching pain, and then I’ve seen them come through all of it into a more stable, more loving, more deeply committed relationship than either probably ever imagined possible. They are a true success story and a testament to making it work no matter the cost. I am blessed have witnessed this. I am blessed to have such an example in my life. The fact that they are now stronger, healthier and more in love than ever before is not lost on me, and should there come a day when I find myself considering marriage I will have no fears and no rose-colored views. I’ll know exactly what to expect and what will be required of me. Because of my parents, I know that love can last a lifetime.
 
Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! We are so blessed that God gave us to you.
 
      
 

one word: thrive

 
My heart of hearts longs to soar, to do all the things I’ve ever dreamed of doing. My mind tends to get in the way, telling me that I “can’t” or I “shouldn’t” or “not just yet.” It’s been a lifelong struggle between my creative, passionate heart and my logical, fearful intellect. And yet I still long to soar. To thrive. To be more than I ever dreamed I could be and all that I’ve ever wanted to be. I want to do more, say more, dream more, and I want to find the fulfillment that has often been lacking in my life.
 
I love the word “vigorously” in the definition of thrive. It reminds me that there is action involved. I will never achieve a level of satisfaction without stepping out and pursuing it. It’s not enough to stand still and “grow”; I must develop vigorously. Only then will I achieve all that my heart desires. Only then will I understand what it means to thrive.
 

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This post was derived from the list of inspiration words gathered on Ali Edwards’s blog and from the concept of writing about one word.
 

one little word for 2010

 
Each year, the highly inspirational Ali Edwards presents a challenge to choose One Little Word for the year. One little word to focus and meditate and act upon throughout the year. One little word that acts as a touchpoint for making the year fuller and richer and brimming with purpose. I’ve considered choosing a specific word these past few years but never really honed in on one specific thing. But this year, as soon as Ali posted the challenge, I knew what my word would be.
 
 

 

This word came to me from a simple statement of prayer posted by a minister friend back in early December: “Lord, fill my sails in 2010.” I felt its impact immediately — a sense of refreshing, of opening my arms to the Spirit of God and feeling His power rush beside me, carry me. It was the most powerful visual I’d had all year. And as I thought about how to create action from the word itself, how to be purposeful with it, I decided that 2010 is here for me to set out without restriction. For me to hoist the sails and allow God to take me where He will. For me to resist setting my own path and, instead, allow the winds of change to move me forward. For me to stand back and SAIL along… at God’s pace instead of my own. That is my prayer, and that is my purpose for 2010.
 

 
See the complete list of chosen Words at Ali Edwards’s blog.
 

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