one word: choose

Control is the greatest of all illusions.

We don’t have as much control as we think we do, and yet, at the same time, we have more control than we realize.

Let me try to explain.

I have no control over other drivers on the road or how fast (or slow) my Starbucks barista makes my drink. I can’t control what people think about me. I can’t control the answers to my prayers or the ways I’d like to see God show up in my life. I can’t control crazy circumstances like accidents, surprise illnesses, or high pain days. I can’t control the ways other people’s decisions impact my life.

I have zero control over any of those things, no matter how badly I wish I did.

But — and this is a big but — I do have control over more than I like to admit. It’s just not over the things I’d like to be in control of.

I don’t have control over my circumstances. But I do have control over myself.

No matter what happens to me or what others do, I can control my own choices, responses, and actions.

If I choose to.

But the choice is mine.

In difficult situations, it’s up to me to choose joy. When the wait is long, it’s up to me to choose patience. When trust is hard, it is up to me to choose to trust anyway.

So my One Word for 2012?

I want to be more mindful of the choices I have when everything seems out of control. I want to be more intentional to choose Him and His ways, even when it’s hard. I want to be more purposeful in my responses and reactions to circumstances and people in my life.

I want to remember that while there may be many things I lack, I always have a choice.

And I want to choose well…

Have you chosen your One Word for 2012?

one word 365

The challenge is simple:

Scrap the long list of resolutions you want to make this year (even though you know you really won’t keep them) and instead, pick just one word.

There is so much clarity in the simplicity of one word.

It narrows down all your big life-change plans into one single thing. It paints a picture for your future — a clear vision you can take steps toward. It focuses you more on the journey than a to-do list, because that’s where character is built.

One word that will serve as a compass for your actions, decisions, and priorities. All year long.

One word. 365 days.

Deep-down heart change can be found in a single word.

What’s yours?

Check out the brand-new One Word 365 site:

one word 2012

I have had so many incredible conversations about One Word over the past few weeks. I love hearing and reading about people’s journeys this past year and how God’s used their word to shape their life.

A. Ma. Zing.

If you write a year-end post, make sure you come back here to link up. (Which reminds me… I still need to write mine!)

I’m working on a new website for One Word 2012… I’m so sorry I haven’t rolled it out yet. I’d hoped to, but… well… technical and schedule difficulties prevailed…

In the meantime, start thinking about your word for next year.

And have an amazing Christmas, my friends.

God is with us!