Monday, January 4, 2010

One Word For 2010


 

sur⋅ren⋅der

–verb (used with object)
1.
to yield (something) to the possession or power of another




I'm not even sure where to begin with the way this word should be defined in my own life because I can't just pinpoint it to one area.   It seems that somewhere in my younger life, I learned about another little not so little word - CONTROL.   I think when I moved away from my small town to a big city, I found myself in a situation where I could be in complete control of what happened in my life.  Or so I thought.  I do know that trying to be in control my environment and the people around me in some strange way became very comfortable to me.

I think it's hard to determine what we actually have control of in this life. (It's not much, y'all.)  We have the power to say no to over-scheduling our lives.  We control what our children do to a certain degree.  We control how healthy we eat ...or don't.   We are and should be in control of our own actions with other human beings.

It's the things in which I have no control that I struggle with.   My husband.  Our financial security.  My children when they are away from me.   My mother.  My brother.  Other people in general.    I don't think I intentionally seek to control those people.   I just like it when I know they are doing what I think is best for them.  ;)

I think it boils down to one thing, though.  Wanting to control comes from a lack of trust.   Initially and on the surface, it may look like it's a mistrust for that person.  For instance, if Hubby and I are having a conversation about one thing or another and I get upset because he is not really bending my way, then it looks to him like I don't trust him.  But ultimately, the bigger picture here is that I am not trusting God.  I'm not trusting His authority in my life.    

So, that's why this is my word for 2010.   Trying to control so much in my life and those around me is not working for me anymore.  I find that the areas I am not surrendering to God are the areas that I do not have peace and peace comes from God.    Amazingly enough, when I surrender an area to God, I feel peace.  And when I do not, well, let's just say - it's a long and winding road.

I've known for awhile that Surrender would be my word for this year.  I've been reading a little book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  In the book, he really challenged me with questions like Do you want to see God more than you want security? (what else could I possibly find security in?)   What have I chosen over Him time and time again?   (What have I chosen?)

Then yesterday at church, our pastor talked about new year's resolutions.  I'm sure many pastors talked about this yesterday.    I felt like his unique challenge was this - When I look back on 2010,  will I look on it as a year of deeper growth and intimacy with Christ?     I can tell you without doubt and with regret that 2009 was not that kind of year.    2009 was a year where many things did not go as planned and instead of having faith in God, I found myself doubting and often depressed. 

Reading further in my book, Chan reminds the reader that in Hebrews 11:6 we are told that genuine intimacy with God comes from full surrender to God and that full surrender cannot come without faith.   In Luke 9:3, Jesus sends his disciples out with nothing for their journey - wanting them to trust only in God.  To look to the Father for all of their needs just like he does.  

Chan goes on to say just how hard this is because it really goes against all we know to do.   We are programmed to make our plans.  To save our money.  To have faith in those things.  Then like a bomb in our otherwise comfortable and planned life  - a recession hits, job loss comes, an unexpected new baby develops, an accident happens that comes with huge medical bills.  Life does not always go as planned.    If you are like me and like to control, when things don't go as planned the fall is hard.

What kind of new year could I have if I surrendered all the things I try to control, having faith that any fall I might have would be straight into the strong arms of a God who is very much in control?

I'm hoping and praying to find out.

Okay,  your turn!  Did you think of a word?  Leave it in the comments and or link to your post. 


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16 comments:

The House of Sprout said...

I've posted my word!
http://thehouseofsprout.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-word-for-2010.html

The Buntens said...

House of Sprout - LOVE your word.
BALANCED. So hard for a busy mom to do - I love that you have made this a priority.

GladMom24 said...

intentional-on purpose.

Glenn Steers said...

Love the "Chan"...getting ready to start his new book (Forgotten God). Good word...hard word! Remember, even surrender is only possible with His strength! Have a great TwentyTen!

The Buntens said...

Love INTENTIONAL. Seems like it would be easy, right? But how much in life do we really just go through the motions? Get up, make coffee, run kids to school. Intentionally loving, intentionally serving - now that is something to strive for!

The Buntens said...

Oh so hard, Glenn! So now I have to surrender my own strength(which is really me trying to control) for His but need his strength to do it.

What comes first, the chicken or the egg? ;)

Unknown said...

I love your word!!

Here is mine
http://anita-womanwifemom.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-word-for-2010.html

The Buntens said...

Anita - Love REVISE. I think the new year is a great time to take stock of what how we are living life and revise as needed! Thanks for playing along!

C! said...

I love what you wrote. Surrender is an amazing word, and a difficult thing to do. I could very much relate to the comfort and familiarity of control. I've read your blog for a while now, but I had no idea of this concept for picking a word for the year, but funny enough in my thoughts about this new year, last week I gave myself a "theme" for this year, which was actually just one word - deliberate. I chose this word because, although I too struggle with control of others & my circumstances, too often I find myself doing things habitually, and without any thought or purposeful reason, either due to being in a hurry or just too tired or bogged down in other things. I find myself so often on "auto pilot" and I'm not even fully aware of choices I unconsciously make - or habits - that keep me from doing things that are actually important, helpful, or impactful. I feel like time passes so fast and use that as an excuse for why things do not change in my life where I want to make changes. So this year I will try to focus on what I do, what I don't do, what I say, how I treat others, and even how I take care of myself, and try to be more aware of the choices, to be deliberate. From the dictionary, deliberate: carefully weighed or considered; studied; intentional.
Careful or slow in deciding: a deliberate decision. Leisurely and steady in movement or action; slow and even; unhurried: a deliberate step. I pray we both end 2010 feeling closer to God, having a greater dependency on Him, and a deeper relationship with Him, and also with those we love.

jen@odbt said...

LOVE your word and your post. It's so true - there are so many things that are beyond our control. I am still thinking of my word.

Sandy said...

"Focus: the center of interest or activity:an act of concentrating interest or activity on something." I want to be more focused on my relationship w/Jesus this year & be more focused on relationships w/others, not just
floating along w/minimal effort. I think this goes along w/intentional, which is what it takes to be focused. Thanks for inspiring me to think on these things!

40-Something Wife and Mother said...

INTEGRITY - adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty

Last year's word was SERVE. It was a great year of service.

The Buntens said...

Thank you, Char! I'm so glad you commented!

I've noticed a lot of people using a word related to yours - deliberate, intentional, purpose. I think many of us are just tired of going through the motions. I love your word and hope that it is one that brings much growth for you in the new year!

The Buntens said...

Love this, Sandy! I am so bad about focusing. I get very very distracted and find myself off track in no time at all. Great word for 2010!!!


40 Something - Integrity could be one of the most important words here. Without it, we don't have much else to stand on, do we?
So glad you had a good year of serving!

Anonymous said...

nice post. thanks.

Musings of a Housewife said...

DISCIPLINE is my word for 2010. I need it in SO many areas of my life.

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