I came across an interesting website the other day...myoneword.org
It got me thinking about my 2010 resolutions...of which there were NONE! I purposefully did not make any this year because I very rarely keep them, so (I figured) what's the point.
But then I saw this website which caused me to re-think a few things.
If I could narrow my New Year's resolution down to one word, what would it be? After all, there are so many things I need to do and undo. I certainly need to be thinner. I should eat healthier. Be more fit. While these are worthy goals, they all seemed a bit trite and superficial. Besides, they've been on many of my lists prior to 2010 to no avail.
Then I moved onto more lofty, substantial ideals. Maybe this year I could be more patient. It would probably help my blood pressure when I'm behind the wheel in my car. How about becoming more kindhearted, more benevolent, more considerate? Or more compassionate? Or loving? Self-less? Oh, here's a good one...forgiving! How about non-judgmental? Disciplined comes to mind - especially when it comes to prayer and sticking my nose in my Bible more consistently.
As I stood in the mirror to see what else was being reflected back at me, other words popped into my head...humble, surrendered, obedient, intentional, focused, etc.
Now I'm not saying that my life is void of any of the above. What a lousy, wretch that would be. No, I am definitely doing better in each of these categories than in years past. But God knows I ain't done yet...nor is He. I'll have good days and not-so-good days. It's part of being re-made on His journey...(Philippians 1:6).
As I stepped back to examine the above list in a more aggregate manner, I realized a certain, emerging pattern. These characteristics and traits began to describe the Person I want to be at the end of the year.
Indeed. My one word is ... CHRISTLIKE!
If Christlike is my goal, everything else falls neatly in line. All of these other objectives gather under one umbrella. I will see, smell, taste, hear, and feel -- experience life through a new lens. By being Christlike, I will attain my desire and need to be patient, kindhearted, benevolent, considerate, compassionate, loving, self-less, forgiving, non-judgmental, disciplined, humble, yielding, obedient, and purposeful, and more. Instead of focusing on so many different ambitions, the One produces them all.
What's even better about my one word is I have the perfect example to emulate. I also have complete access to all the help I need during this (on-going) transformation process.
Even so, this lane doesn't come with bumper rails. If I take my eyes off the prize, I can easily slip into the gutter. And, as some of you know, I can throw a mean gutter ball. So I must endeavor to find a way to keep my one word before me. Daily reminders prompting me to move are a must.
Furthermore, true change takes a "village". Each one of us needs a few people to tell us the truth about our heart, point out our weaknesses, and check for our blind spots. While this can be painful, being accountable to those who love and care for us the most will return a greater reward.
On the journey,
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