Get your life in ORDER and get for 2019
Each year, I spend time in December reflecting on the meaning of my one word, the experiences I had related to that word, and the value that word has had on my life in that year. I remember starting the year believing that God was going to do amazing things. Through the acronym ORDER, God showed me his plans for 2018. O was for Open; R was for Reclaim and Refresh (Acts 13:19-21); D was for Direction; E was for Encourager, and R was for Restoration (I Peter 5:10). God gave me this statement to explain my One Word: “If I am Open, Reclaim my time, seek God’s Direction and not my own, and Encourage others (and myself), I will be Restored.”
This year was a year of chaos, confusion, and believe it or not…order. Just two weeks after I wrote the article about my One Word, I found out I was pregnant with our second son. That was the beginning of a very eventful year. As I reflect back on the year, I know that because I positioned myself to be Open to opportunities for deeper spiritual, personal, and professional growth, God allowed difficult experiences to prepare me and set the stage for new blessings to come. This year, I learned that openness leads to the right people coming into my life and the right people exiting. I learned that openness sets the stage for roots to grow deeper. I also learned that openness to God released me from anxiety and pressure to know all of the answers and to do everything right. My release led to my refresh.
Throughout the year, I had the fortune to travel. And although I was pregnant and mostly uncomfortable, God provided these trips, large and small, as opportunities to refresh and reconnect with some of the most important people in my life. A visit to Florida with my husband, mom, and son really hit the spot. A long road trip home with an impromptu stop at the beach, gave me and my husband space to reconnect before the baby arrived. Previously, my schedules and responsibilities were running me. Now order was bringing me peaceful moments and memory making experiences. Did you have time to be refreshed this year? What experiences are you grateful for?
This year was definitely filled with epiphanies. I didn’t realize this before now…but in places where I thought I had clarity and direction, I was actually going in circles. In some instances, it didn’t matter how many lists I had or how much I prepared for something, because I hadn’t spent enough time with God or been open to hear from and listen to God, I was walking in circles. This year, I realized how much time I’d been wasting doing things my way. Now, instead of circles, I’m walking a somewhat straighter path.
As I’ve released my cares to God and put my faith in His plans, I now have more time to fulfill my purpose of encouraging others. I’ve known for most of my life, that I am here to encourage and equip those around me. But because I was not open, did not make time for important things, and was walking in circles, I had little time to serve in my calling. Ugh! Order restored me and aligned me like an amazing chiropractor aligning my back. It was as if before this year, I was walking with my head down, my back hunched over and in pain. Now I am walking with my head up (to the sky), my back straight, and with a new energy to pursue all that God has for me.
Now its time to prepare for 2019. Over the next two weeks, I will be reading, studying and praying as I seek God’s guidance for 2019. I’m not sure what my One Word will be, but I look forward to sharing it with you. Will you join me in this exercise? Why not start a new tradition for you and your family? During the holidays, sit together (or on your own) and consider these questions: What do I want to focus on in 2019? What do I need more or less of? What needs to change in my life? As you answer these questions, write down your thoughts. Also, be sure to take time to research scripture associated with the answers to the questions. In addition to your One Word, you may also find that you can develop goals (not resolutions) for the year. Don’t resolve to be or do anything in 2019. I challenge you to be intentional, find your One Word and center your mind on what God would have for you in 2019!
Gina Watts serves multiple communities as an advocate, educator and leader. Follow Gina on Twitter @professorgmarie.