My One Word for 2012

C O N T E N T M E N T

Here I go again… choosing a word (my One Word) that I don’t even remotely resemble on a day-to-day basis.

I’m a little bit of an anxious soul.  It’s probably the single biggest conversation my husband and I repeatedly have. I hear the words “Jen relax” pretty frequently and with good reason.

“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Philippians 4:11

That scripture makes me laugh out loud!  Really Paul? 

Paul’s life was far more difficult than mine and yet contentment eludes me most days.

I choose “contentment” because it’s the opposite of the emotion I tend to most feel – anxiety.

In the midst of yet the busiest season of my life I don’t want to miss the blessings and unique opportunities God is giving me.  I don’t want to turn good things into just another task on the ever-growing “to do” list.  I want to find contentment in the madness and enjoy every part of this crazy journey because I have no idea how long it will last.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”  Psalm 139:23

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?”  Ecclesiastes 2:22

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6

Ok, 2012.  Here we go!

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  • From Tracie January 4, 2012  

    I deal a lot with anxiety, but I have never really thought about contentment as being the opposite to it. It makes good sense, though. 

  • Larry Baxter January 4, 2012  

    Great word choice 🙂  The word translated content in Php 4:11 means not only ‘satisfied with necessities’ but that one’s view on the situation is “independent of external circumstances” – which sure helps a lot when surrounded by chaos. May the Lord you serve with great energy build in your heart a true sense of contentment centered in Him throughout this year.

  • brittany January 4, 2012  

    i struggle with this too, jenni. can’t wait to journey with you through 2012 & learn to live out contentment.

  • Jeedoo January 4, 2012  

    God’s humor:  When our ministry moved from California to Florida (where I did not want to go) instead of to Texas (where I very much did want to go), a friend eased the pain with fridge magnet grace by a map of Texas and these words:  I have learned to be content in whatsoever state I am.  

    And I have.

  • Heidi Menges January 7, 2012  

    I am anxious and to serious those are what Greg calls me out on. Love ya

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  • Rebeca Dos Santos January 9, 2012  

    Wow, I loved reading this…I feel u…
    Have a blessed 2012 !!!

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