And the word is...

I’ve been seeing numerous posts about “one word” – one word to describe your hopes and plans for 2012, or what’s on your heart for 2012. It sounds sort of New Year’s resolution-ish to me, and I don’t do resolutions (since I know how well I keep them).

But there’s a word that comes to mind.

The year 2011, as most years do, brought a lot of change – a major remodeling of our home; watching my grandson start walking and learning of a second grandson on the way; our youngest moving to Florida; my back problems which sidelined biking, travel and a lot of other things; and publication of my book – to mention only a few.

It was a lot of activity, but in my mind it was a lot of slowing down, and mostly because of my back. There were a lot of things I couldn’t do that were part of normal daily life (like putting up the Christmas lights, or gardening). I had to depend upon others to do things that I usually did without thinking. I had to plan things like the best time to leave for a work meeting in the building next door to mine.

My sleep patterns changed. Instead of going to bed at 11:30 or midnight, I was going to be bed at 10, or 10:30 at the latest. Things slowed down. And when things slow down, you have more time to think, consider and reflect. And more time to plan.

I’m already seeing how this year will shape up, and shape me. I know some things that are coming – some changes in what I do online (more on that in a few days), what’s going to happen with my writing, and family changes. As frustrating as last year was, I see it for what it was – a year to slow down and renew.

I see what’s coming for 2012, with my writing, my faith, my family and my work.

And the word is grow.

Over at Faith Barista, Bonnie Gray is asking what one word has God laid on your heart for 2012. To see other posts, please visit Faith Barista.