Whew! When God placed ‘minimize’ on my heart for 2020 I had no idea just how crazy relevant it was going to be! Minimizing came in all sorts of unexpected forms throughout the year.
After having a scary health issue in January, I underwent a barrage of tests. The test results, and my doctor, said daily prescription meds were the answer. Instead I chose to work with an amazing health coach. I cut out sugar and added sugars, strictly minimized processed foods, chose the correct supplements, I prioritized my health and got a completely clean bill of health from my doctor in June.
And of course COVID showed up - minimizing so much, in so many ways. But besides the obvious that came with it, I am so thankful and grateful that I’ve had the option to pretty much hibernate - by choice. I am a mask wearing, social distancing, sanitizing, hand washing guideline follower. I choose to do this for others as much as for myself. Love one another. It also gave us an opportunity to see what real retirement life will be like. We’ll have no problem surviving it. 😉
So with another retirement on the horizon this month, we began seriously talking about our dream of retiring and living in Florida. And following months of prayerful planning we chose two amazing agents, listed our house for sale and purchased a new home in St Augustine Florida. As a result, I have ‘minimized’ like a wild woman. I have purged stuff, given stuff away and sold pretty much everything that is not needed and/or has a direct sentimental value.
Another area I’ve seen unexpected minimizing in has been what I allow in my space. I’ve realized that even though I want people to know that I truly do care about them, there is just a lot of ‘stuff’ in this world that has no place in my space. Minimizing in this area has been extremely freeing.
I had never considered, much less sought, a word for the year before that. But it has been so crazy to experience how the word ‘minimize’ was applicable to so many areas of my life throughout 2020.
Over the past couple of months God and I have had an ongoing conversation about 2021 and all the plans he has for me and the changes that are about to take place. I’ve also been asking him to place a new word on my heart for the new year. I got it about a month ago. I’ve got to admit it left me, well, squirming. 😬 Even to the point of playing the mental game of ‘Oh, I’m sure I’ll hear another one next time.’ But that didn’t happen. And even though our 3 kids are literally beasts in the gym, I obviously do not throw weights around - nor am I a lifter. So come on ... I’d be lying if I didn’t say the word I’ve been given for 2021 doesn’t make me, shall we say - a little nervous ... ?
strength
/streNG(k)TH/
noun
1: the quality or state of being strong
2: capacity for exertion or endurance
3: power of resisting force/attack
4: legal, logical, or moral force
5: force as measured in numbers
6: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness
Yep. My word for 2021 is strength. And my main goals for this coming year are to strengthen my soul (Psalms 138:3), strengthen my mind (Romans 8:6) and strengthen my body (I Corinthians 6:19-20). And anything else God plans to show me. I have absolute faith that 2021 is going to be another great year to remember. And I cannot wait for God to show up and show out!!
Wishing everyone a truly blessed and Happy New Year!
Here’s to a ‘strong’ 2021!! 🎉🎉
Later,
Shelia
