This is the year. The year of change. The year of allowing myself to flourish. When I started to think about my word for the year, it came to me almost instantly. Flourish is not a word that we often hear, but when I read a passage from Psalms, I knew it was the word for 2018.

My scripture focus for the year is Psalm 52:8-9, “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” Olive trees are mentioned all throughout scripture. They are used symbolically as peace, prosperity, beauty and the relationship between God and His people. Olive trees aren’t beautiful, just hearty and green with deep roots that thrive in the desert. The green of the trees bring blooms and life to an otherwise dry, desolate land.

I want to live in God’s house flourishing like the olive tree in the desert. I need to make intentional time to spend with God, deepening my relationship with Him so that when an opportunity comes my way, I can experience it to the fullest and my best self will come alive.

For me, flourishing is not about being at the height of my own “fame,” but it’s about being at the height of where my relationship with the One who created the universe can exist in every waking moment. And if that relationship is in a great place, nothing is impossible.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. markers
2. trash bags
3. a new quarter
4. stamps
5. old pictures