As I go back and read my past One Word posts, I can see the path of my journey’s progression. He knows what is ahead while leading me – He has not been surprised by any minute detail of my life. (or yours!) All I can do is reflect on the path already traveled.

Four years ago my One Word was Trust.
Three years ago my One Word was Receive.
Two years ago my One Word was a continuation of three years ago.
Last year my One Word was Embrace.

I can confidently say I do trust Him. For my journey, I am still working on learning to receive, but this is definitely easier than it has been. The second part of my learning to receive was choosing to embrace.

Four years ago I started pondering Isaiah 43:18-19, which was when I knew I needed to learn to receive. Working on receiving well (not just choosing to accept) was the second year I spent on receive. Receiving lead me to knowing I would have to work hard at embracing. all. the. changes. … and have there been a boatload of them since May 2016, and they’ll continue through this year!

“Forget about what’s happened;
    don’t keep going over old history.

Be alert. Be present.

I’m about to do something brand-new.
    It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”

These verses come to mind quite consistently in my day to day life.

:: A constant reminder to be alert. be present. to look for the new things He is doing.
:: A constant reminder to choose to receive His grace over all.

It has taken me a few years to get to the point of being excited about His plans, without experiencing mind-paralyzing fear of the unknown. He knew I would need more time before I could anticipate well the plans He has for me (Jeremiah 29:11-14). I didn’t realize it until reflecting & writing this post – He started working on me four years ago! (can you say SERIOUSLY S.L.O.W. PROCESSOR! – good grief ?)

All of of this is to lead up to telling you the significance of my one word for 2018: Eager.

I am honestly EAGER for all of the changes & challenges ahead in this new year.