Goodness: My Word for 2022
New Year’s resolutions have never worked for me. I’m not a goal, list, and task-driven woman, but choose a reflective and intuitive life. The ritual of picking a word for the new year has worked well for me. The word is not an expectation, standard, or a quest, but more like a lens I use to see the world differently.
My word of the year for 2021 was FULL. When we read through Colossians in the summer, my word made sense. The fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Christ. From him, we are also FULL. If I had treated this word as a mandate, a standard, or a task to complete, then my year would have been a complete failure. There were not many moments I felt the fullness of God in me. I felt exhausted, grieved, and metaphorically hungry. Looking at this word, connected to this biblical truth, carried my through how I was feeling, nourished the kindness drought around me, and encouraged me through a twelve week separation from my kids because of home renovations. FULL was a lighthouse that reminded me I wasn’t lost at sea, only wading in deeper waters (insert “Oceans” refrain). This year I chose the word goodness.
Let me get nerdy for a sec, which I know some of you will enjoy. There are two kinds of goodness the bible mentions.
Ṭûḇ (CSB translation: mentioned 32x): meaning fairness, beauty, possessions/produce. Ṭûḇ is the good we see in the creation story and through the words of Joseph towards his brothers. See verses Neh 9:25, Ps 25:13, Jer 31:12, and Ex 33:19
Agathōsynē (CSB translation: mentioned 4x): meaning upright in heart, agreeable, virtue, kindness. This is the word included in the fruits of the spirit, how God works all things together, and James’s description of heavenly wisdom. See verses Rom 15:14, Gal 5:22, Eph 5:9, 2 Thess 1:11
This second translation is for 2022. It describes what is between and among people or things. Agreement and kindness doesn’t happen in isolation. It is a virtue between people.When I initially felt the word bubble up, I immediately noticed that it is not one of the spiritual fruits we emphasize. Peace, joy, and self-control get lots of attention. What about goodness? I will set my curiosity here. So, I chose my word, now what?
INVESTIGATE. I will do a word search and study in the scriptures each time the word is mentioned and even drift into a tangent or ten. I observe my life, thoughts, the world, and those I love to find the goodness described in these passages. I allow the Holy Spirit to instruct and direct me. I love it when there is a book or podcast released simultaneously. My main goal in this stage is to gather information and perspective.
INTEGRATE (INTEGRITY). I do the work to prayerfully align my actions and decisions according to the truth I investigated. Integration takes a long time, most of the year. There are fits and starts. Sometimes the end of the year rolls around and I’m not sure if I was successful in this part at all. This was especially true when I was drowning in diapers and toddler fits. I can trust that the planted seeds will be brought to mind when the time is right. After all, he started it.
INSPIRE. Eventually, when I have grown in understanding, been able to metabolize and integrate the truth, I share it with others. This way, what I am offering others is rooted in truth, seasoned with compassion, and is gentle and effective. There is a strong temptation to jump from Investigation to Inspiration, but people can see if it successfully developed into my core character. It will have a muted tone and limited impact. We want to build trust and faith. When we allow the truth to integrate before we inspire, we will be able to say, “I am who I am because of the Spirit who is with me.” This is the sacred life.I have no idea what this year will bring to my doorstep or what Jesus is going to do about it. I will witness his goodness and be the one to give it when it's my turn.
You’re turn. Do you have a new year’s ritual? Have you ever chosen a word, verse, or theme for your year?