And just like that, I had my word.

Embrace.

Sweeping the kitchen last Friday, pondering the morning’s counseling appointment that my luvvah so graciously agreed to attend with me, realizing that I need to embrace the good in my life, it came to me.

embrace~ to hold someone in your arms as a way of expressing love and friendship

I have a husband who loves me dearly, whom I have been holding at arm’s length. I long to embrace him and his love for me fully.

embrace~ to accept (something or someone) readily or gladly

God has extended much grace to me. I long to embrace that grace rather than hold it at arm’s length. There are many changes coming this year. I long to embrace them well rather than struggle against them. Accept them readily and gladly.

embrace~ to take up especially readily or gladly

I am getting ready to take up the second semester of the school year. I long to embrace the work I have been given to do in this season of life. To embrace what is coming that I can’t even see, yet.

embrace~ to avail oneself of; welcome

I hope to embrace the challenges that arise this year as opportunities to grow. To welcome them.

embrace~ to use (an opportunity) eagerly

Each day is full of moments to embrace. Abounding with them, really. I haven’t been embracing the moments, though, or using my opportunities eagerly. I have been resentful, angry, frustrated, annoyed with the opportunities to love those around me…especially those in my home. Sad, but true.

I long to change that. Choose to embrace.

Change is hard for me. 

Yes, I realize that a word doesn’t change a heart. But it helps to focus and remind a heart of what is important.

There you have it. My word and how it came to be, even though it wasn’t on the original list of possibilities. What about you? How do you choose to focus and remind your heart of what is important?