Mettle

Happy New Years friends!! This is the second year that I have ever joined in on the "pick a word for the year train". I am honestly not sure why I didn't do this years ago because it is such a lovely and sweet idea. Last year as I prayed about a word for the year 2014 (and chose Valor) it really allowed me time to focus, think and pray about the coming year. As I did the same this year, I felt again that there were several "themes" that kept coming to mind but they could all be summed up by an over-arching word: 

Mettle Definition:

(1) a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way
(2) the ability to meet a challenge or persevere under demanding circumstances; determination or resolve

(3) vigor and strength of spirit or temperament

(4) quality of temperament or disposition

Granted, it is not a word that is "common" or used everyday but the definitions sum up exactly what I pray for for this coming year. This battle for my health continues to be very difficult and demanding and I want to meet this challenge with a spirited and resilient way. I want to persevere under these demanding circumstances and that is taking all of my determination and resolve. As I lean on the Lord's strength to conquer the "unknowns" of what lies ahead with my health, healing, relationships, my professional life, my shop, my writing, and some personal circumstances I can rest fully in the knowledge that His strength is going to give me the determination to face these demanding and difficult situations. Finally, I want to be a good soldier for the Lord in this difficult situation and have the quality of temperament to face the pain of illness, the strength to believe in the impossible, and the lovely peace that comes from trusting a Sovereign God fully without fear.

The word "mettle" was first used in the 1500's and came to mean, "the stuff one is made of, one's character". When I read this I knew immediately it was the word for the year. There is nothing that will show you what you are made of more than losing your independence in your early thirties and becoming primarily housebound at such a young age when others are off "chasing their dreams". Sometimes, and I am embarrassed to admit this, but its not all "rosy" and lovely over here. (I know, I know, it is impossible to imagine that I wouldn't be perfect to live with all of the time. *sarcastic smiles*) This season and journey that the Lord has me on has shown me in a million different ways how incredibly sinful and selfish I can be. It is definitely something that I spend a lot of time in prayer about. And the life I want to live, my life fully surrendered for the Lord, is a life that is filled with "strength of character" that reflects HIM in all circumstances, even during the difficult and painful times. 

I am in the middle of re-reading "Evidence Not Seen" (I think I have read this book literally 100 times!!) and it has impressed upon my heart the impact of living a life with mettle. Mettle whose strength is not in demanding our own rights or ability to cope for ourselves, but for the Lord. Mettle that touches the hearts of others for the glory of God. Mettle is having the spirit to believe that no matter the circumstances (or the evidence) God is in control and is still at work. No matter what the situations that arise in the coming year I want to live with mettle. 

So that is my "word" for the year friends! Did y'all pick a "word" for this year? I would love to hear about it and what the significance is to you!! Happy January 1st!!