One Word – Dwell
Choosing one word to focus your year upon can be a daunting task. But, not this year. This year’s word began popping up in the waning months of 2012.
Defined by Merriam-Webster’s as a verb, meaning:
– to remain for a time
– to live as a resident
– to exist or lie
– to keep the attention directed on or upon
DWELL.
A theme considered & prayed over, one that’s taken up residence in my mindspace for some time.
Last year’s word was HOPE. And hope was so necessary in 2012, as I know it always is. Closing out the year and reflecting, I found hope to be more than just a pithy saying or idea. Hope is necessary for survival. And last year was a doozy. But the hope I have isn’t just a simple hope, but rather a living hope – in the person of Jesus Christ. Because he lives, he is near. An ever-present help in all situations. And, that is a hope for all times. Good and bad.
For some time now, I’ve felt in a place of transition. Physically, vocationally maybe, with my children, relationships and with life in general after last year’s shenanigans.
Transition is an odd thing. Living neither here nor there, just in the in-between. Not even sure where there is quite yet, in many instances.
I came across this verse about a month and a half ago and knew it was defining for me, for this time in my life.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
My dwelling may be unsure, somewhat nomadic even, but there is a dwelling of the mind and heart, where rest is to be found.
It’s my desire to dwell there fully this year…as decisions are made and maybe the fog over the path of my life dissipates and the way becomes clearer.
Maybe 2013 will be a continuing journey and life won’t settle completely. At year-end, maybe I’ll look ahead to realize there’s simply more uncertain terrain to be traversed.
Even so, my heart can dwell secure…and find rest.
I’m going to attempt to reflect on DWELL as the year goes by, in the practicalities of life and of the heart, too. It really is all a journey…this life, anyway. Dare I say, even an adventure.
Are you in a place of transition, desiring to dwell and find rest? I’d love to hear your thoughts & story. Or, if you’ve chosen a OneWord theme for your year, please share. I’d love to hear it.
It makes the journey more interesting to know you’re not alone, but among fellow travelers.
Happy New Year!
DWELL logo compliments of Melanie at onlyabreath.com Thanks, Melanie!
Photo from Shutterstock
Angela M. Shupe 
Angela, I am right there with you. My husband’s career keeps us on the move. We left our dwelling place in 2008 when he got the job, and we keep moving. The in-between times, like we face now, are the toughest. These are the times we watch the job he’s on wind down and wait to find out where the company will send our family next. It’s a nerve-wracking time, short as it is (usually a month or less), and I always wonder when I should begin packing and preparing. However, God is in control, so I put my trust in Him. So far, we’ve never had an issue with a move. Sure, things have happened and gone wrong, but He has always been there to provide in those times. And although we left our family (mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers) behind, He has always multiplied our family through the Christian brothers and sisters we meet along the way. So although we don’t have a settled dwelling place, we know Jesus dwells in our hearts, and we will have our eternal home one day, where we’ll never have to move again. Thank God.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Alycia! Moving is such a big deal, isn’t it. We haven’t moved as frequently as your family, but I agree, the in-between times can be the toughest. I love what you said: “So although we don’t have a settled dwelling place, we know Jesus dwells in our hearts.” Really is an analogy on this life of faith. Thanks for the encouragement. Blessings to you!
Hello Friend! I’d have to say my word is “wait”. I’ve learned to love that word and cherish the times I physically get to wait. And, of course, at least one of my knitting projects is on hand. Hee! Seriously, I have learned to embrace the times of waiting in my life. God has much for us while we wait. Sometimes, if it’s a physical waiting in line or for an appointment, I simply enjoy the solitude between Him and me. Or many times, He has a blessing waiting within the fellowship of the people who are hanging out waiting alongside me. And then the times when the wait is much longer, His presence is so thick and rich, it makes the waiting…wonderful. I’m immediately reminded of when we waited for our all of our children. I wouldn’t have missed that time with Him for anything. Happy New Year, dearest Friend, I’m more than happy to wait with you while you dwell.
And I’m so glad for the company! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your word & thoughts, Lori!
Great word and post for 2013.
Epiphany is my word for 2013. I am excited to see God revealed in new ways as the year unfolds.
What a wonderful word – epiphany. Funny, our words all have the element of hopeful expectation – whether to dwell seeking & hoping for rest, waiting for what God has next or looking expectantly to God to bring epiphany & reveal himself anew. Thanks for sharing your word, Jon.