While I’ve chosen a one word theme before, this year is different. After spending a couple of days praying and examining where I am and where I want to be, an image kept coming to mind: the anchor.
Touched with a bit of OCD, coupled with indecisiveness (crazy combination, I know), my friends and family know that I spend too much time researching and going back and forth before I make a final decision. Then I still worry, wondering if I made the right one, and the cycle begins again.
While it’s great to be known as someone who doesn’t take matters lightly, I want to learn to stand firm in the decisions I make. And when I think of an example to follow, I think of this dear woman.
My 94-year-old grandmother is amazing. She’s the perfect example of someone who emanates both strength and gentleness; and she’s one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever meet. She’s strong, steadfast, and wise.
She’s our anchor.
Our family looks up to her, people who know her often say they wish they had her perspective. One of my favorite memories is witnessing her strong yet peaceful spirit just before my grandfather passed away. While the family was worried, fervently praying, and simply wanting him to come home healthy, my grandmother stood in the midst of it all, serene, with a firm understanding that God was in control.
After a rough day in the hospital, my family members hurried off to find a meal, allowing my grandfather to rest. While I walked to meet them, I noticed a woman step out of the elevator. As soon as I recognized her, I offered to walk with her back to my grandfather’s room.
As she stood next to her husband of 60 years, she gently placed her thin hand on his forehead, smiled, and asked, “You still with me, Pa?”
They weren’t a wealthy couple, but they were both vocal about their faith in God and how He met all needs. In the moment that she was preparing to say goodbye, my grandmother exhibited unyielding peace. I want my family to see the same peace in me.
During 2015, I plan to work towards the same strength, discernment, and gentleness I see in her, and be steadfast with them all.
So, I want to learn to “be the anchor” in my family, and to remember that an anchor is useless until it’s anchored to something. As I witnessed in my grandparents, I want the faith they had–a faith that is absolutely anchored in Christ.
Do you have a word for the upcoming year? Or a family member you look up to? If so, please share below in the comments.
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Molly says
I love picking a word for the New Year! Your word is amazing.
I chose “grow” for this year and I hope it rings true in all sorts of ways for my life π
Sara Elizabeth says
Grow sounds like a great one!
Life Breath Present says
That’s a great word, anchor. So strong. And I loved the story about your grandmother. I was filled with peace and calm when um grandfather passed, in the same room where everyone else was crying and praying. It was a difficult time, but that sense of being anchored in the truth is powerful.
Here’s to you feeling more anchored, or perhaps finding your own intrinsic anchor in 2015! π
Sara Elizabeth says
Thanks for stopping by, and it’s so cool to read your story and to relate.
Kristen @ Smithspirations says
I like it, Sara Elizabeth! I’ve never picked out a word for the year, but I like how much thought you and others have put into choosing yours. I might consider doing this next year!
Sara Elizabeth says
Thanks, Kristen! I wish I put more thought into it in year’s past. π And it’s not too late to choose one for this year. π
Kristy says
I love this, Sara Elizabeth! It’s so inspiring to read what others have chosen as “their word”, and what that word means to them for this year.
My word for 2015 is “quiet”. π
Thank you for sharing about your grandmother. What a blessing to have such a godly lady in your life!
Sara Elizabeth says
Thanks, Kristy!! And “quiet” sounds like an excellent word. π