What's the word in 2010?

January is often filled with resolutions for people of all ages.  Something about a "new year, new me" commitment gives people hope. I used to do resolutions when I was in high school, but as I grew older, I decided that I needed to be continually improving myself, not just January 1st through about February 10th (when we start to forget what we resolved).

As I am going through a major transition in my life, I've been doing a lot of reflection and self-assessment. Naturally, I've self-proposed many changes.  I want to be closer to God. I want to take better care of my body.  I want to grow in my relationship.  I want to do at least 10 things I've never done before.  I want to start a fulfilling career. It goes on and on.

In my effort to be a more whole and Christ-like woman, I've also been doing small things to change the messages I receive and give, from negative to positive.  In alignment with such an aim, I've been taking more time for praise and I've taken up listening to 91.3fm KLove. It features all positive, encouraging, Christian music and it is a great way to start my day uplifted.

KLove's Lisa & Eric are featuring a Love Dare every day until Valentine's Day.  Small things that dare listeners to be closer to Christ, in different ways.  Today's challenge was inspired by the website myoneword.org. The site challenges visitors to steer from the usual replace-a-bad-habit-with-a-good-one resolutions that we normally make. Take it a step further.

As the blog says, "My One Word replaces broken promises with a vision for change." The premise: determine what kind of person you want to be, determine the characteristics of such a person, and choose the strongest of these characteristics.  Live by said word. Use it as a lense through which you view every situation. As a measurement of your daily success. As a standard for living.

Simple. Powerful. Challenging.... Life-Altering? It could be.

I love this concept. It's like a well-refined personal mission statement and vision statement in one.

Some of the words that listeners called in with were: whole, peaceful, patient, compassionate, careful, etc.

What is your word? How do you want to be described in 2010 and beyond?

I'm going to ponder it today. Tomorrow, I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

Jeremiah 29:11