Monday, January 3, 2011

A word...or two.

When I returned from Belgium I had a realization that I had just done something...or several things, actually...that I never imagined I'd do. I flew across an ocean. I went to a foreign country. I spoke in a public setting. The crazy part of all of that? I am afraid to fly. Especially over an ocean thankyouverymuch. I never really had a desire to go to a foreign country...especially without my husband to keep me safe. And speaking in front of people? You may as well just put bamboo under my nails...pure torture.

Well...isn't it amazing what we can do when, #1 God is in control and, #2 we are willing to follow His lead. I give God the utmost credit in helping me to build up the courage to go through with it all. But I also give myself a teensy bit of credit for being obedient to Him. I could have said no. I could have pretended I didn't hear Him whisper. I could have just allowed my fears to rule and not done any of it. But I didn't. I listened. I obeyed. And I trusted. I would say in this case, God and I made a good team. Trusting Him is never a let-down. Ever.

When I returned from Belgium and got unpacked and got settled back into my routines here at home, I realized that I had just done something that, for me, required something I never had...bravery. I am not, nor have I ever been, a brave person. On the contrary, I've always been somewhat of a scaredy cat. But suddenly I realized that had changed. And right then and there I thought to myself, "I think the theme for this year is BRAVE."

I didn't really think anymore about it. I've pretty much just been living life...taking care of my family...waiting patiently to see what's next on the horizon. It's been quiet...and slow...and calm. And I have to say, I've been liking it.

But then the New Year was just around the corner...and I had the thought to write down my goals, for the new year as well as for life in general. If it was an idea in my head...a desire...something I'd like to try or make or bake or accomplish...it was written down on The List. And in the process of writing this List I had a another realization...and it was just one word...and that word was DO. It's not pretty. It's not poetic. It won't look cute written on my body somewhere in Sharpie. But it will help me to get some things accomplished in my life.

So for 2011 I am going to be BRAVE and I am going to DO things rather than reading about others doing them.

In 2011 I am going to DO BRAVE. And I'm pretty excited about it!

14 comments:

Magnolia Handspun said...

That is funny how you mention BRAVE- I was hoping 2011 for me would be FEARLESS...hah!
I guess we might be thinking the same thoughts.
I wish you well on your BRAVE journey.
xo

Mari said...

You are my hero!! I like that...and I will be praying for you to be brave when God asks you to DO. Wow.

I have yet to sit quietly and think on this year...so much has happened and yet there is so much yet to do. I have been taking one day at a time. But maybe this week, I can be quiet long enough to get 'my word'.

((hugs)) to my amazing blog friend. xoxo

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

i love this post! I want to be brave to in 2011.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

Oh Camilla...I love the word Fearless...it sounds so much more...epic!! than Brave! You go girl...2011 is going to be GOOD!

Mari...I pray your move goes smooth and that you get a bit of quiet time in the middle of it all.xox

Bri...let's be brave in 2011 together!

You Can Call Me Jane said...

What a wonderful post! I've been looking forward to reading more about how your trip has changed things for you. I LOVE your 2011 theme and I can't wait to follow you on your journey.

Oh, and, not to change the subject but, your header is stunning.

teekaroo said...

I still haven't been brave enough to make my list! I'm getting there though, if I can just get everybody healthy for a few days...

Unknown said...

Michelle, we may never have met in person, but just from what I've gleaned about you in the last year and a half, you are very gifted and very capable. And even if you weren't, God could work through you in miraculous ways. So your goal to do is very... "do-able"! Hurray!!

So... what are you going to do first? Do tell!

(Oh, and I ADORE your new header!!)

T said...

Yay!!! I am so excited for you, Michelle. What a great word for the year. I can't wait to see where God takes you... both literally and figuratively. :)

Nancy said...

excellent choice, my friend! god is the best team mate one could have.

and, you know what eleanor roosevelt said, right? "do one thing each day that scares you."

love the new header.
xo

Kimberly said...

FLY FREE-is what keeps coming back to me for this year.

Jessica Lynn said...

This is my first visit to your blog. Gorgeous header!

I'm a scaredy car too. Also terrified by flying, so I can relate! I find my peace & courage in my Father too ;)

Cheers to courage!

Anonymous said...

I owe you an email.

This is exactly what I am feeling this year too.

christina said...

you so inspire me. this post is amazing. amazingly beautiful.
go for it, my friend!
xo

Brian, Erin, Caleb, and Connor said...

What wonderful New Year's resolutions. And how true that God is faithful when we obey. I look forward to seeing how he accomplishes these and many other miracles in your life this year!