this tradition of a word of the year has proven to be one of my favorites. the focus it provides. the journey it provides. the revealing of God. this word thing is special. this might be the first time in the past 10 or so years that my word of the year was actually given to me. spoken to me. written to me. gifted to me. and the moment i heard it, read it, received it, i knew. this was my word for 2019. this gift arrived early november as i had just stepped into a part of something that in the past had left me feeling defeated, unwanted, wrong, and confused. but i was willing to try just one more time at her rather persistent encouragement and the gift of new friends. while away that weekend, listening to my friends share their stories, listening to those in small group share their hearts, and being given the time to craft, i knew. i knew that God was whispering "it's time to flourish my child. it is time." flourish: verb to grow