Do you want to thrive in the new year?

Yesterday, I started reading this book and within a few flips of the pages, I knew it would change my life.

The New Year brings hope, a fresh start, and excitement that our dreams aren’t so far out of reach. My mind floods with ideas of things I want to accomplish this coming year and see them become a reality. This year I’ll set goals but I’m going to have a completely different approach this time.

My father-in-law asked us a question at a Bible study a few years back that has helped me grow so much. He asked us, “what word has God put on your heart for the year”. To study, ponder, and push us to new levels.

After I had read some of this wonderful little book, God put this word for the New Year on my heart. It wasn’t anywhere on the pages I had read and came out of nowhere while I was thinking of something else completely. The word was thrive.

The first year we did this, I had the word fear put on my heart. I feared so many things but God has helped free me by studying this word in the Bible (see 3 Ways To Stop Worrying). Last year my word was focus. I’ve learned to focus on God and doing His will amidst distractions and setbacks (see How to Conquer Setbacks?) Now thrive is my word for the year ahead.

This little book, full of pictures and fresh perspective was called “One Thousand Gifts” written by Ann Voskamp. It is teaching me how to thrive and this is why I believe it will transform the way I think about life.

I’m not trying to weird you out but as a little girl, I had a word spoken over me. I don’t know if you believe in prophecy or have ever heard a word spoken over you that came true. As I was reading this wonderful book, I heard the words from that prophecy drown out the words I was reading say: you will find an appreciation for life. 

That part of the word I always found confusing because I thought I already appreciated life. I even thought this yesterday until I picked up that book. 

In this book, Ann Voskamp began with how she was dared by a friend to come up with one thousand things she loves. She tells of her experiences throughout her journey and what she was learning. 

I can’t give her story enough justice so you’ll have to read it for yourself. It immediately showed me how I can thrive by learning to look for things I’m thankful for all throughout the day. Even things I totally miss usually but because I’m looking now, I’ll be able to see all that I’ve been missing.

Reflection

I challenge you this year to look at life with a new set of lenses. To look at life as those who do when they’re dying. To take in the beauty of life fully and deeply like never before. Maybe we’ll both find things that used to annoy really aren’t so bad. Will you begin this journey with me today?

A Prayer For You

Lord, please open up my eyes and show me all the things I’ve been missing. Give me a heart of thanksgiving that will spill over and become a new appreciation for life. Thank You so much for revealing to me how to enjoy life to the fullest even in the difficult and ordinary days of life. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

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Stay hopeful!