Thinking of 2014

As 2013 comes to a close I feel like my brain is a big, jumbled mess.  Emotions are high, sleep is low, and my brain is no longer functioning!  I am still baffled as to how it's already almost halfway through December. Wasn't 2013 just beginning like last week?  Where has the time gone? It's hard not to be contemplative at this time of year; what did I accomplish this year, did I even come close to living out that word I chose for 2013 ("intentional"), what do I want next year to look like, what changes to I want to make as the new year dawns?

I've been thinking about my "theme" or "word" for 2014...and just like my jumbled brain, so many things have come to mind:
---"LESS"  This was one of the first words that came to mind as I began to think about next year.  Less stress.  Less chaos.  Less mess.  Less distractions.  Less schedule.  Less saying no to fun times with the kids. Less screen time.  Less being glued to the phone.
---"SAY NO"  Learn to say to things that will interfere with my most important roles (for this season): wife and mother.  Learn to say no in a nice, loving way.  Learn to say no because sometimes, it's the best thing for all involved.
---"SLOW DOWN"  Take some time to just enjoy the moments, big and small.  Slow down and see the people around me.  Slow down and seize each teachable moment.  Slow down and see God's hand, even where I think it couldn't possibly be there.
---"BE STILL" Simply be still....and know that He is God, that He is here, that His hand is in all things, that all is Grace, that I am not the one in control.

As you can see, there are lots of words, though they are all leaning in one direction.  Still seeking God's direction for the new year.  I am looking forward to seeing all that He will do in my heart, my children's lives, my marriage, our little family, our church, and our community in the next year.  I look forward to learning more about and practicing Sabbath rest, individually and as a family.  I know that we need more of that in this house.

Have you been thinking about your "word" for 2014?  What will it be?