The Margin Label

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I’ve tried and failed too many times to count.

Depressing.

And really, where is the fun or motivation in that... So I faced the facts and nixed the idea altogether. Done.

However, every year, I do try and choose a theme or maybe a better choice word…a "label" for that particular year. This “label” does not have to come about with the start of the year. It could be during the year that I run with it. It might even be after the year has wrapped up that I look back and say “After all that, there is no doubt last year was all about _____.”

My “label” can be a broad concept, a word, or even an emotion. My “label” is a summary of the journey that I will go on or I did go on. For example, last year my label was “patience” as I navigated and waited on a new balance with two kids, busier work schedule for the husband, a new niece in NICU, a new job for me…you get the idea. Last year put me in prayer often as I waited on Him to open doors, close doors, show doors and at times, remain silent. It was in those silent times that “patience” became a test for me.

The year before that was “change” as I quit a job, took a job, had a baby, navigated the husband’s new job and potty trained a 2 year old. That last one? Warning to the up and coming parents? Potty training and teething are up there in the “I’m exhausted and it’s only 10 am” stage.

Both words put a label on a whole range of events and emotions that kept me running in a circle throughout the year; pinball style.

By putting a label on the year, I am not ignoring the other concepts, emotions or stamps on the year…I am being intentional in another way. I am intentionally focusing on the journey God has me on; on this 365 day portion of my life. Since I don’t know how long this path is to last, and knowing full well that everything He does He does for a reason and that includes putting me in places or positions, why
would I need to move any faster than just one day at a time? By focusing on one day at a time or even one week at a time, I can be more intentional with myself, with my marriage, with my kids, with my relationship and with ministry. Labeling what I feel this portion of my journey is, helps me look at my daily journey intentionally.

This year’s theme in “margin.” Being a full time wife, a full time mom, working full time in ministry, a full time pastor’s wife and fully devoted to it all, I recognize how easy it is to be swept away in self-pity-parties. And trust me, that is not a pretty picture for one whose nose becomes as red as Rudolph when she cries.