WORD FOR THE YEAR | 2018.

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash

Discover. Learn. Grow. Change. Discover. 

In December, I felt this tug deep within my heart to grow and pursue. I know this tug isn't simply a coincidence; rather, it's something God is whispering into my heart for a reason and for His purpose. Last year, I God called me to discover His faithfulness. To see His work in the details of my life--in the highs, the lows, and everything in between. He did not disappoint, either. The past two years have been some of the most life-changing and also the most faith-filling years of my life. And I know it's all His handiwork, His planning, and His desire to redeem that brought me to the place I'm at now.

I'm calling 2018 my year to DISCOVER. I pray and hope that God will open new doors and help me discover more of God, to discover more skills/hobbies, and to discover more fears hidden deep within my heart. Fear was my guide for a big chunk of my life. And if I'm honest, it's the place my heart turns if I'm not careful and intentional about my actions.

But I want to face those fears. I want to discover and uncover them. And most of all, I want to let God take control of them. I chose to focus on discovery this year because I want to make my growth (especially in faith) an active pursuit. I don't want to wait for things to happen, to live waiting for others to speak up or do something first. Discovery is an active pursuit of God's plans and goodness for my life. And it's also about having an open-mind and expectant heart for all that He has in store, too.

My adventurous soul also hopes to discover more hiking trails. Discover new opportunities. And discover different hobbies and skills. I've always wanted to try indoor rock-climbing and I've just signed up for a different yoga/pilates class as well. And I'd also love to branch out a little and discover new friendships, too (this is one of the hardest things for me to do as an introvert!).

So here's to being more open-minded, saying yes to trying new things, and remembering that God's creation is full of new things to discover.