We’re only 10 days in to the New Year, and I’m already loving my word! Of course, I started thinking about it here and there back in October. It was late November or early December when I knew for sure “nourish” was it. So, I’ve been anticipating its influence for a few weeks now.
If you’re not sure yet of your word, don’t panic! There’s still plenty of time to figure it out (and keep reading for some help with the process of getting started!). Last year I was well in to January before I knew my word.
Nourish
There’s a depth to this word that I’ve not dug into before. The first idea that comes to mind is that of sustenance related to food and the body. But this is only one of four definitions I’ve found so far.
Nourishment doesn’t merely fill the belly, it gives what the body needs to grow correctly, stay healthy, and enable life to the fullest.
Nourishment also has to do with more than food and the physical body. I can nourish my mind, or relationships with others, for example.
There’s also a surprising element of compassion and love included in the idea of nourishing as indicated by the part of the definition that speaks of cherishing.
Just tonight as I was writing this, I paused to look up synonyms for nourish. The primary ones are cherish, cultivate, sustain, and tend. I was delighted to see the word cultivate there! Last year there was a verse that became quite meaningful to me over the year – Psalm 37:3.
So this year, I think I’m going to have a key verse related to my One Word for One Year. I’ve never had one before. It doesn’t mean I won’t look up other Scriptures along the way, but I think it’s no coincidence that God started bringing this verse to my attention last year and now led me to the word nourish for this year.
Focus for the Year
I like to choose areas of focus related to my word each year. It helps me dive into practical applications of the word related to various areas of life.
The truths God teaches me don’t always line up with the areas I identify early on, but that’s ok. Doing One Word for One Year is less about what I’m trying to accomplish and more about trying to cooperate with what God wants to do in me in every area of my life.
This year, here are three areas I plan to consider in light of this word, nourish.
- How can I best nourish my body and soul (and those of my family) and care for them?
- What does it look like to nourish relationships within my circles of influence?
- How do I nourish my relationship with God day in and day out?
What about you?
Are you planning to do One Word for One Year this year? If so, I’d love to hear what your word is! Comment below, or send me an email.
If you’d like some guidance on choosing a word and getting started, check out my new, FREE 7-day email course.
Each day for seven days an email will arrive in your inbox helping you take practical steps towards getting started with your One Word for One Year. Move through them at your own pace!
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