What’s Your Word for 2023?

In 2021, I started choosing a word for the year, inspired by my writer friends. Little did I know my chosen words would be so meaningful. Better than a resolution list, your chosen word stays with you all year.

My word for 2021 was Light. I found it incredibly appropriate during the dark days when the world sequestered due to Covid.

I enjoyed finding thoughts to support my word thru scripture and quotes.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5.

A fellow Kiwanian came up with a motto for her year as the NY State Lt. Governor.
“Be kind, find the joy, and be the light in someone’s life.”
Being the light in someone’s life lifted me from the darkness.

2022, I chose Trust. I clung to that word, when my husband, Roger, was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I must have said the following verse dozens of times.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
His surgery required he be at the hospital at 5am. It was still dark. Because it would take quite some time, the doctor advised me to return in four hours.

Walking to the car I asked God, please, please give me a sign, let me know he will be alright. It was election day, so I went to vote. When I left the building, a full moon glowed among the clouds surrounding it. Serene, beautiful, stable. I hadn’t seen it until then as the clouds had hidden it. It became such a symbol for me, a balm to my worries. Later that day God answered my prayers for a great outcome. Trust.

My word for 2023 I felt was listen, but I wondered how many times in the Bible is Listen mentioned? I discovered in its various forms, listen, hear, heard is written 287 times… surely enough verses to explore.

The “Shema”, the most important prayer in Judaism, which starts morning and ends evening prayers, most often translates as “listen.” Shema also can mean to pay close attention. Obeying and taking action is another meaning. It is in hearing God we must respond with our lives.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words I charge you with today shall be on your heart. Teach them diligently to your children. Talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk away, when you lie down, and when you rise. Bind them on your hand, and let them serve as symbol on your forehead. Inscribe them on your doorposts and gates.”

One of my favorite bible stories to tell* is the calling of Samuel. As a young boy awoken by a voice, he gets up from bed to answer his teacher, Eli. But Eli hadn’t called him.
After three times, Eli realizes it is God calling Samuel. He tells him to go and when he hears the voice again; he is to respond, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

I’m looking forward to exploring the word listen. My commitment is to listen to the path the Lord has
planned and then walk it.
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Mathew 11:15.

I hope in sharing these examples, it may stir you to consider a word for the year. Will you join me in this endeavor? It may surprise you how meaningful it can be.

If you wish, please share what word you’ve chosen.

May your 2023 be filled with Health, Light, Trust and Joy!

*Tell: As a Biblical story teller, after learning the story by heart, we tell the story instead of reading it helping to bring the story to life.