Coming up with a theme for the year is a tradition my friends and I have done for the last few years. I really look forward to it, the process, and then looking back to see how it unfolded.

So, drum roll, please….

Word:
“Prioritize”

Now, let me explain….
I chose “prioritize” because I tend to get sidetracked pretty easily. Thanks, ADD. I am good at chasing rabbits down holes. So, I want to weed those other things out a bit better and focus. And I wanted a word to reflect both my personal and spiritual needs and goals for the year. The last couple years have been about being obedient and enlightened to this thing I now know as missional community. Everything else was in the background. While this is essentially not a bad thing, you all know I can be a bit of a workaholic, and that usually relates more to ministry than my actual full-time jobs. So, with priorities, I want it to pertain to the missional community but also my overall well-being. I need to be better at Sabbath. And my chiro, counselor and regular doctor have all told me over the course of the last year that I need to treat myself better and make me a priority. So, this is my attempt at that goal. And I chose “prioritize” over “priorities” because I wanted an action word.

Verse:
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Song:
“I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin

Now, again, let me explain…
Funny enough, as the D’s know, this song was sung at Shannon Oaks on Sunday. It immediately struck me and I was pretty sure this would be it. I asked Chad after the service what the song was and he told me. So, I downloaded it and have been listening to it repeatedly. I feel like it encompasses the “head, heart, hand” aspect of spiritual living which I believe to be so important. And I think it still goes very well with “prioritize” on both levels. I’m really happy with it. After the church service, a woman came up and spoke to the D’s. She, like everyone else, tried to get me to move to SS. Uh, no. After she realized it was a futile attempt, she asked if she could say a blessing over me. Why, of course! Turns out she is the head of their prayer ministry, D told me later. Anyway, after meditating on what she said and the words of the song, they are very similar which I thought was another good sign. Margi and D, please thank Chad and the woman for me.

Give it a listen – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_04LdPV_Q