There’s a challenge going around some blogging circles:  identify the one word God has put on your heart for the new year.

At first I thought it was just a twist on making a New Year’s resolution.  I’ve already told you my thoughts on that this year.  As I thought about it some more, I decided that maybe it was different after all.  I decided to pray about it a bit.

Persevere.  That’s the word that kept coming to mind.  It didn’t take me too long to decide that needs to be my 2011 word.  It’s much more of a motto than a resolution for the year.

As I glanced to what I know is true about 2011, a few things needing perseverance rise to the surface.  If history holds true, I will be tempted to give up, peter out, or just do a few things half-heartedly.  The following are a few things I’m certain will require perseverance:

– Physical Therapy My doctor has promised this Achilles tendon repair is going to be a long, hard journey.  While neither my leg or my bank account are looking forward to the rigors of physical therapy, I’m looking forward to walking again.  I’m looking forward to walking correctly.

–Weight Loss I made a good start this fall and was sidetracked by my immobilizing injury.  I need to get back at it.  So far it has been the story of the first half of my life.  I hope I can lose the weight and establish healthier habits so it doesn’t have to be the story of the second half.

– New Summer Schedule No, my summer won’t be any less crazy.  It will just be differently crazy.  I have to revamp my curriculum, recruit and train new interns, find new housing options for them, get used to a new way of doing things.  My tendency is going to be to start working on it and get side tracked till the situation starts to become desperate.

– Stewardship Not only do I have to make good choices with my time, talent and treasure, but I need to continue to write about it and challenge others to be good stewards.  Most days, I’d rather not.  Generally it’s not an easy thing for me to discuss;  I need to change.

I’m sure God will surprise me with other areas where I need to persevere this year.  He has a way of doing that.

What’s your word for the year?

photo courtesy of Jerome Bouvier

I’m participating in Faith Barista’s Faith Jam.  Every week she’s asking other bloggers to “jam like musicians” on a faith related topic.  Today’s post is my riff on “The one word God is putting on your heart for the new year.” If you’re interested in the notes others added to this Faith Jam, go check out her site and follow the links.)