Last year, prompted by the invitation of a favorite blogger and author, Ann Voskamp, I chose one word as my focus/prayer for 2013. It was “new” and you can read all about that here.

As 2014 rolled into view, I began thinking and praying for another word. And “light” came to mind, and kept coming to mind. I want this year to be a year of light. A year of knowing the light of God shining into personal darkness (my winter blues, e.g.!). A year of walking in the light with others, speaking truth, listening to input and advice, coming clean when necessary – out of the shadows. A year of inviting others into the light, which is my profession and my calling and my privilege as a counselor. By speaking words of the previously unspoken, light fights against the darkness. As long as something is hidden, it is powerful. But speak it – and the powers of darkness lose. Shame begins to fade away. Light always wins. And I want to know and live that reality in my own heart, in my home, with my family, friends, clients, and city. I want to be part of Light.

I love this word “light” because it is not only a noun that we fight for and walk towards and become enveloped by, but it’s also a way that we live. It’s the promise of our Jesus who says – “Come to me, all who are burdened and heavy laden … Take my yoke upon you … for my burden is LIGHT.” (Matthew 11:28-30) I want to live with light burdens. Not in a Pollyanna sort of sugar-coating way, but in a way where I allow Jesus (and others) to bear burdens for me, with me.

And then there’s this other aspect of “light” – what does it mean to hold lightly to the things which aren’t eternal? To live with light luggage; to give away more than I acquire this year (dangerous words to pen); to bring light to those in need by living with less – living more lightly.

I have a feeling that I’ve gotten myself into deeper waters than I would choose for myself with this word “light,” but I do trust the one who knows me, who IS Light, to shape my life to become more like his own … and to force me to hold on more tightly to this Light as I willingly journey into darkness.

I am anchoring my focus for 2014 in these verses below –

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-2

In him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5