I choose the word LOVELY in 2013.
Why lovely?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whether you believe in God or not, the message in this verse crosses all faiths, or non-faiths.
There is a lot to chew on in this verse, but this year I am focusing on lovely…
Being a lovely person to others…
Thinking lovely things about others…
Filling my mind with lovely words and thoughts and ideas…
Colors and sparkly things and creativity.
Making our home lovely… One place that has suffered the last many years is our home. Sure, friends who have seen my home might be surprised by my statement. It is a lovely, lovely home… But I know the places that are stuffed. The things hanging on walls to fill a space, but are only that. Things that have become a distraction instead of a blessing. I think this example represents more than just the place I call home.
I read a quote somewhere, and I can’t find it, so my choppy interpretation is, “If you don’t love it, don’t keep/buy/inherit it.”
That doesn’t just apply to physical clutter… but also what is in our minds… the words we choose, and especially what is in our hearts.
And to be completely honest, I hesitate to share this focus for 2013… for the same I have only prayed for patience once.
I am not planning to buy new couches or bedroom furniture or landscape my yard. All things that would certainly “up” the lovely in my home.
Believe me, if we had the monies – I WOULD.
But.
The lovely of which I speak has nothing to do with the monies.
In 2013, I want to spend some time making our home lovely for those who live here – whether it’s an effort in organization, or purging, or being creative with the possessions we have. Or just lighting candles because I know my kids LOVE coming home after school to the smell of a scented candle. Or cookies. (Candles are easier…. shhhh… don’t tell the childrens!).
It is lovely to be able to find socks when you need them. It is lovely to find bank statements when you need them. It is lovely to be able to find a ruler when you need it. It’s just really, really nice. For me.
It may be different for you.
Not finding socks is a sure gasket-blower for me. It helps to know your weaknesses.
And my heart.
So much of the tone of our home has to do with the state of my (the mama’s) heart.
If my heart is lovely, the so our home will be also.
Oversimplified, but you get my point.
It is lovely to NOT structure “come backs” to unfinished conversations with difficult people. It’s lovely not to stew about how others who have hurt you, or offended you, or are just plain-ol dummy heads.
In 2013, I want to shift my mind when it wanders to bitterness and makes negative assumptions about others.
In 2013, I want to speak lovely things. To others. About others. I want to nurture this in my children.
In 2013, I want to make my home more of a home instead of the landing pad it seems to have become.
In 2013, I want this loveliness to influence my heart of/for hospitality.
I have seen a quote floating around, “Be the person you want to meet.”
Lady friends… we should be the woman we want to meet.
I bet she’s lovely.
Whatever is lovely… In heart. And mind. And soul. And home. And relationship. That is what I want to fill 2013 with.
Do you have a word or phrase or goal for 2013? Share it in the comments… or if you wrote about yours… do share the link! It is so inspiring to read about what others are reaching for. I’d love to read yours!
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