ABIDE

Just before the new year began, I completed a short quiz with multiple choice questions to learn of my 'word for the year'. I was skeptical about the simple choices and when I was given the word 'abide' I was disappointed. I wanted a word with fire, a word that would motivate me and encourage me. Words such as 'courage' or 'joy' or 'endurance'. After all, at the moment I am in a place of uncertainty, without a job and without being able to be settled, yet I want security and to be able to get on with living life to its fullest.

But the more I thought about the word, the more I liked it. Abide suggests an acceptance of 'circumstances' and being at peace through that time. I thought of the Bible verse, "If you abide (remain) in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7 I am not naive to believe that this means I can make up a wish list and that Santa Clause will give me all that I want but I do believe that at this time, (or any time for that matter) I need to remember that no matter what I am going through, I need to 'abide'.

When I go to open a packet/box of biscuits, cereal or other food and I read the words, "Open other end", I turn the box over and open at the 'right end'. Rarely do I 'rebel' and open the box the wrong way, so when I am given a word for the year, I take it on board. I looked up the word 'abide' in the dictionary and it said:

• to remain, continue, stay
• to endure, sustain or withstand without yielding or submitting
• to wait for, await
• to remain steadfast or faithful to; keep

That definition seems perfect for me, so "ABIDE" is my word for 2020.

As I look ahead from my present, I have no certainty of where I will be even at the end of this month. However, in this present, I need to abide. 

While I am waiting, my intention is to make the most of every day and get myself in order. I am not one who makes New Years resolutions, instead I resolve to keep moving forward. Therefore:
I am going to be healthier and walk every day. My resolve is to walk 10,000 steps daily and to meet the goal of walking 2020kms in 2020. 
I am going to write more often and write in my journal, daily. I may even write more at this blog or at my "Horses, teaching and other important things" blogsite. I might even begin to write the children's novel that I have always spoken about.
Perhaps I will take on another course. Andy has always laughingly suggested that I will take on more study....

Sadly, at the end of last year, only a couple weeks ago, my nephew passed away from a rare stroke. He had only just turned 19 and yet he had lived each day serving and loving others. None of us can control the amount of days we live but we can determine how we will live out those days.

ABIDE

Blessed is the one whose delight is in the Law of the Lord..
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither -- whatever they do prospers.