2016 | presence

i’ve never done a word for the year before.
i stumble across instagrams and posts of people pouring their hearts out over a word to focus an entire year on – and it’s just never fully sunk in with me. it’s resonated but it hasn’t been something i felt moved to do for myself; i do my monthly goals and move on from there.
and maybe this word will leave me in a few months…
…but as i sit in the quiet of january 1st looking outside to a rainy start of 2016…i have this song on repeat and i just find myself moved to tears and worship and reflection.

2015 was full of walls.
lots and lots of walls.
i’ve seen that i have so fortified my heart that not even all the good can get in.
in my attempts of protecting myself from pain, of having to grow up and push and move forward in life and survive i needed to be fortified. as i’ve been walking through counseling – i’ve learned that isn’t true so much anymore. guarded – sure – but fortified no? and this will be a hard conclusion for me to really walk.

so my word for 2016 is presence.

to be in the presence of God.
to be a holy presence around others.
to offer a presence of grace and mercy.
to be present in my life…
in feelings
in moments
in people God has placed in my life
in all things.

to be in awe of God’s presence.
to find rest in His presence…
…solace
…rejuvenation
…encouragement
…conviction
…growth
…challenges
…joy
…love
…strength
and so much more.

do you choose a word to focus on for the year?
if so, what did you choose and why?
i would love to hear pieces of your story!