WORD OF THE YEAR | 2020.

Helllooooo 2020!

I'm excited for this year. I honestly have no idea what God's got in store for 2020, but the past week or so, I've had these feelings of excitement and anticipation for what will unfold and I have this weird feeling that it's going to be really, really good.

Which, as a side note, it's actually pretty abnormal for me to feel excited about stuff like this. My typical Enneagram 9 self is pretty low-key and I definitely live up to my peacemaking, low-energy, nap-loving stereotype more often than not.

Last year was a definitely a growing year, or really, a planting year. I feel like a part of myself was just learning more about who she was/is and that discovery process not only consumed a lot of energy, but also a lot of my emotional capacity as well. But it wasn't done in vain, though, because it stirred about some new passions and desires to take charge and do things for me in 2020. I've got some adventures that are up in the air for me right now and while I'd normally be nervous and anxious about it, for the first time EVER, I feel calm and just ready to see how it unfolds.

This year's word for the year goes along with last year's phrase, let go and let God. In many ways, I want to continue living out that phrase but I want to focus more on opening my hands to what He's ready to give me. So much of 2019 was spent trying to convince God to do things my way and my stubborn self has humbly re-committed herself to following God's path instead.

So I'm opening my hands to let go of my plans in exchange for His.

Opening my ears to listen to God's voice, but also the voices and stories of those around me. I want my ears to be open and to listen to understand, not respond.

Opening my mouth to speak up for myself and expressing my needs/desires.

Opening my eyes to see the beauty of the world around me and to look for those who need love and grace.

And I'm opening my heart to new adventures, experiences, relationships, and opportunities.

I also want to just keep myself open to the the fact that 2020 will be different than I imagine or plan for because God is sovereign and in control (and His plans are far better than I could ever come up with, anyway!).

The prayer that I know I'll be saying over and over again this year is this: God, I'm open to whatever you have in store for me. Be my map and compass, guide me to where you want me, and give me the strength and courage to take that leap of faith into the unknown.