My One Word for 2012
C O N T E N T M E N T
Here I go again… choosing a word (my One Word) that I don’t even remotely resemble on a day-to-day basis.
I’m a little bit of an anxious soul. It’s probably the single biggest conversation my husband and I repeatedly have. I hear the words “Jen relax” pretty frequently and with good reason.
“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11
That scripture makes me laugh out loud! Really Paul?
Paul’s life was far more difficult than mine and yet contentment eludes me most days.
I choose “contentment” because it’s the opposite of the emotion I tend to most feel – anxiety.
In the midst of yet the busiest season of my life I don’t want to miss the blessings and unique opportunities God is giving me. I don’t want to turn good things into just another task on the ever-growing “to do” list. I want to find contentment in the madness and enjoy every part of this crazy journey because I have no idea how long it will last.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23
“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?” Ecclesiastes 2:22
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Ok, 2012. Here we go!
I deal a lot with anxiety, but I have never really thought about contentment as being the opposite to it. It makes good sense, though.
Great word choice 🙂 The word translated content in Php 4:11 means not only ‘satisfied with necessities’ but that one’s view on the situation is “independent of external circumstances” – which sure helps a lot when surrounded by chaos. May the Lord you serve with great energy build in your heart a true sense of contentment centered in Him throughout this year.
i struggle with this too, jenni. can’t wait to journey with you through 2012 & learn to live out contentment.
God’s humor: When our ministry moved from California to Florida (where I did not want to go) instead of to Texas (where I very much did want to go), a friend eased the pain with fridge magnet grace by a map of Texas and these words: I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I am.
And I have.
I am anxious and to serious those are what Greg calls me out on. Love ya
Wow, I loved reading this…I feel u…
Have a blessed 2012 !!!