Outfit: (Affiliate links) // Shirt (Similar) // Jeans // Glasses // Purse (Similar) // Shoes (Similar)
On the first day of school, my teacher prompted my class to have a word for the semester. I’ve always heard of people having a “word of the year,” but for some reason, I’ve never been into that. I’ve had some unsuccessful resolutions and some “goals,” but I can’t say that I’ve ever had a “word.”
As soon as my pen hit the paper to write down my word, I knew exactly what I wanted my word of the year to be. It is a word that is shadowed by school, by work, and by other idols. It is a word that is so simple yet so powerful. It is a word that everyone encompasses, yet everyone lacks.
My word is, “joy.”
In the hustle and bustle of life, I find myself wishing for a different situation, a different week, a different day, a different assignment. When school becomes an idol in my life, I know that I have to choose joy.
While I’ve been practicing this word the last couple of weeks, I can’t say it’s been easy. Choosing joy in the midst of pain and frustration is actually quite tough. We are selfish humans by nature and sometimes being angry, mad, or upset seems easier than being happy. Sometimes it is.
Does being angry, mad, or upset fulfill you, though? Does it bring you happiness? Does it make you a better person? I don’t know about you, but answer is no. When you choose joy and choose to rise above the situation you’re given, how do you respond? I can take a bet that you’re pretty dang happy and content. That’s Jesus working in you and choosing joy is such a great gift from Him. Choose joy, y’all!
Do you have a word for the year? Thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely love this! I don’t really have a word, more just a mantra to love everyday of my life!
Ashley // MyWellDressedLife.com
I love your shirt.
Love this! I did a similar thing in the beginning of the year, except mine was through a devotional. My devo for the day was to ask God for a word that I was to reflect upon for the year, and the word that God gave me was “patience.” I think this can be good thing to practice, even if it isn’t for an entire year. I believe that this can bring people closer to God and help to strengthen their faith. Thank you for sharing this with us!