My Word for 2013 is. . .

Hey, Patty Smith Hall here. A few years ago, someone came up with the idea of focusing on one word to describe what they hoped to accomplish that year. I wasn't sold on the idea at first, mainly because I live with a family of solid resolutionists. But as a writer, I appreciate the editing genus of a one word resolution. Deciding is always tough, especially  when you need adjustments in so many areas like I do. But in the last few weeks as I prayed, one word kept creeping into my thoughts and in my Bible time.

Only problem was I didn’t want this word or the resolve it would take to to follow through. Why? Because the word that kept whispering through my heart during the last month was REST. Now anyone who knows me knows that I’m a whirlwind, a go-getter, always running always with  my nose to the grindstone. In my perfect world, I would plug out 3 to 4 books a year, keep an immaculate house, cook gourmet meals, be the perfect wife and mother, volunteer – anything and everything to keep busy from 7 AM to 12 midnight, seven days a week, 365 days he year.

But after this first week of the new year, I can tell you I'm wrong.

The Bible tells us to rest; on the Sabbath, in the Lord. It says that God knows when you laid down and when you rise up again. To not rest is to go against God’s word; It’s not treating the body He gave us like a temple.

To continuously run at full steam like I do is to continuously sin.

So this year, I’m learning to rest, both spiritually and physically. I’m going to bed at a decent hour  (11:30 to 11:45.) I’m going to relax in the evenings with my husband, reading or watching TV. I will spend time studying my Bible and writing in my prayer journal. My days will still be productive – in fact, I predict that I will get more done because I’ll have more energy to spend working during the day. So while I have other resolutions, my focus this year is on learning to rest.

 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest  unto  your  souls.                                                

                                                                                                                                                                    Matthew 11:28 – 29 


Question: Have you chosen a word for this year? If so, what is it and what do you hope to learn from focusing on it?