My friend, Maria, blogs at My Barefoot Soul.  We met many years ago when we were both blogging over at Xanga.  (Does anyone still blog there?)  Anyway, earlier today she wrote about choosing a “word of the year” and I think she chose the perfect one for herself.  Toward the end of her post, she asked if any of her readers had chosen a “word of 2015” for themselves, and I realized that not only had I not chosen a word for this year — I’d never chosen a word for any year.  So I thought about it and I have a word for this year:

Persistent

/pərˈsist(ə)nt/
adjective
adjective: persistent
1.
continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
“one of the government’s most persistent critics”
synonyms: tenacious, persevering, determined, resolute, purposeful, dogged, single-minded, tireless, indefatigable, patient, unflagging, untiring, insistent, importunate, relentless, unrelenting; stubborn, intransigent, obstinate, obdurate; formal pertinacious

2.
continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period.
“persistent rain will affect many areas”
synonyms: constant, continuous, continuing, continual, nonstop, never-ending, steady, uninterrupted, unbroken, interminable, incessant, unceasing, endless, unending, perpetual, unremitting, unrelenting, relentless, unrelieved, sustained

I think persistent is a good word for quite a few reasons, which I will share with you now.

1. In 2015, I plan to be persistent in my pursuit of a stronger relationship with the Lord.  It’s been heavy on my heart for months that my commitment has been less than stellar, and that for a long time.  When I realized that I’d had “good” excuses for missing worship and fellowship with my church family for almost two months, I thought “what a sorry example of a Christ-follower you are.”  The Creator of everything that is, my heavenly Father who sacrificed his Son for me — am I so important and so busy that I cannot carve out time in each day for prayer?  And yet, when a crisis hits, I truly do pray without ceasing.  Hypocrite, much?  So this year, if you see me standing in the paper goods aisle at Kroger and I look like I’m talking to myself, I may just be having a little visit with the Lord.
2. In 2015, I plan to be persistent in the love of my family.  Sometimes loving family members is not easy.  Sometimes it’s not convenient.  Sometimes it’s a downright pain in the backside to love, and the sense of obligation (because it’s family) makes it even harder.  When I think of what my life would be like without my husband, daughter, and extended family, though — oh, how I love them all!
3. In 2015, I hope to be more persistent in looking for opportunities where I can serve.  I have often used the excuse that “my plate is so full right now,” or “I do for my extended family” or “I made a donation.”  I really need to stretch myself and look for opportunities to serve face to face with people in need.
4. And lastly (because if this list becomes too long, I might as well blow it off), in 2015, regardless of circumstances, I plan to pursue persistent joy.  That kind of joy that gets you through the saddest times — because you know that everything’s going to be okay even though you feel as if you may die.

So do any of you have a “word of the year” for 2015?