Grow
In my newsletter this week, I am going to ask you to do something different. I would like for you to choose a verb that will be your New Years mission. The word should challenge you, strengthen, and motivate you. At the end of the year, you should be able to look back and recall all the decisions, choices and actions and see how the word has changed you. Let me explain! My word for the year is grow. In addition to choosing this word, I have also adopted a specific Bible verse that coincides with it. By having the word grow, and the verse, it is easier to stay on track. By using both concepts, I can keep my focus on growing and strive to grow with a purpose. For this reason, you may ask- how will this word set you up to be successful? Growing in the grace of the Lord and reading His word will not only help me grow in the knowledge of Him and what He has for me, but it will also help me strategically prepare because I know that growing is my mission. By reading the Scripture daily, the words will remind me to extend grace to others and to keep Him a priority. This is the first step of growth. Next, by the knowledge that I have obtained, the Word will keep me focused on the goal and will help keep my mind focused on eternal things rather than worldly things. Likewise, when I dive into my daily reading, and allow it to penetrate my mind, I will apply the words to my day and I will journal the highlights that I have experienced. I will write how I saw His hand at work in my day as well as recognize what He has taught me throughout my interactions with others. I will also write about the areas where I failed and ask him to help me see where I need to change so I can stay on the path to grow. I plan to do this for the whole year and then at the end of 2024, I can look back in my journal to see the progression and see how He has led me throughout the journey. I am a firm believer that we all need to be a life-long learner. When we think that we do not need to grow, this is when He will show us differently. So why not just surrender and allow Him to work in and through you. I have found that the different encounters with people, and what they have taught me always allows me to walk away with more tools that I can add to my toolbelt. Some of the things that I learned last year have certainly taught me things about myself that needed to be changed as well as areas that I was able to teach others. With every year of being intentional, the Lord has spoken volumes to show me who He wants me to be.
Will you join me in adopting a word, will you commit to journaling every day to see what He is doing in and through you? Will you pick out a verse that will help you be the best you for the best Him? Let’s do this together and see how He will speak to us, and use us to make a difference. Are you up for the challenge?
Hope you all had a Happy New Year and I look forward to another wonderful year serving you. The best is yet to come!!!
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Chaplain Tracey Burns
Reflection Questions:
What word will you chose to help you grow in the New Year?
Will this word challenge you and make you step out of your comfort zone?
How will you establish goals by implementing this word into your daily routine?
Bonus: Great song (if you are interested) - do I want to grow? - “Tend”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSB4poSt7UE