2016: Delight

I so love a new year. And since winter is definitely not my favorite season, it's lovely to have something like the feeling of the new year to energize and excite me in January. Because thinking about clean slates and fresh starts does just that-- makes me feel energized, excited, encouraged, and of course, hopeful. I wasn't sure if the Lord was going to give me a "one word" or a phrase to focus on this year, but almost immediately when I began contemplating it, this word came to my mind and my heart. The more I settled into it, prayed about it and surrendered to it, the more perfect it felt.

So here it is~~

Delight...

~ in Him & His word.

~ in my family.

~ in His creation.

~ in hospitality.

~ in my calling.

:: submit to God's will, let Christ reign, enjoy what He's given me ::

It almost feels like more of a new mission statement, than a word-for-the-year. Like, if I can somehow figure out how to really embrace delight, then moving forward it seems like that should always be how I live my life.

We're two weeks into 2016, and I'll be honest, it hasn't been easy so far-- especially the family part. The more aware I am of this idea of delight, the more I see myself not delighting very much in the day-to-day with my kids. I rush them out the door, I get easily frustrate with their attitudes, I feel selfish in my disdain of the laying down of self that is required in motherhood.

I think so often I feel entitled, and so I don't find joy when things aren't going my way, or when the days are ordinary. And so that's what this is really about; it's a reminder that all is grace.

My hope is that as I delight, I will be better able to submit to God's will, let Christ reign, and enjoy what He's given me.

P.S. Since blogging quite delights me, I hope to try to do it at least once a week from here on out, even if it's just a quick update. Let's see if I stick to it... ;)