New Year New Word

I really do intend to accomplish the first two. I always need to drink more water, and let's face it: even "glamping" is a stretch for me. Which is odd because I don't shower all that regularly;) I just really like heat, sleeping two feet off the ground, and the ability to leave food laying around. But in all serious: this year's word for me is: expectancy. Arms open to God and not folded in narrow expectation of Him. I think to live in true expectancy, we must live bravely because it means not really knowing what happens next. Choosing to live with open arms knowing that God always does for the good of us and to the cause of His glory is a scary prospect. But choosing to have rigid expectations is far worse because it breeds fear and bitterness. I want to be the kind of woman who does brave things while she's living in expectancy because in her heart she knows these things are always righteous: kindness, apologies, vulnerability, obeying, and remaining true to how God has made me while always listening to the Holy Spirit for guidance. I intend this year and every other to become more and more courageous, in that: I drop the needless expectations of myself and others and do the opposite of expectations, which I recently just learned is actually to live in authentic expectancy. The narrow path He calls us to is not a one size fits all picture of how life should look, but rather a full commitment to steering my sinful heart back along the narrow road to Him. Even if that means I have to do it over and over and over again with cliffs on either side. Expectancy and joy in the midst. That's my prayer this new year! Blessings to you, Mrs. B