Do you choose a word of the year? In today’s post, I’m sharing my word for 2020. If you read my post about my word for 2019, you might be surprised by this year’s word choice.

Last year, I started a new tradition where I chose a word that I wanted to define 2019. I shared on this post that it was going to be pursue. I went back and read that blog post multiple times throughout the year to remind me of where my heart was when 2019 began. I can honestly say that I did everything I wanted to do with that word (except the gym goal LOL). I pursued God, my husband, traveling, friendships, and both of my jobs (teaching & blogging). I feel like that word was the perfect fit for 2019. But man how things change in a year.

MY WORD FOR 2020: ABIDE

While last year’s word was so fitting for where I was at the time, I couldn’t be in a more different place this year. I am always going to be that Type A, go-getter personality that is constantly pursuing my goals. But at the same time, I have had so many moments this year where God has made it clear that He wants me to rest. Rest my body, rest my spirit, and rest in HIM.

Most of you already know that we have been struggling with infertility for almost a year and half. (If you want to catch up on our infertility journey, you can read the posts here, here, & here). I have grown so much during this time. What started out as a charge forward and fix-it mentality has slowly given way to a rest in Him, rest in His timing, rest in His promises mentality. And man, can I tell you how hard that is for me? But I’m getting there, slowly but surely.

And this year, I’m going to abide in Christ.

John 15

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

By definition, pruning increases fruitfulness and growth. And let me just say, that God has done a lot of cutting and pruning in me in 2019. I feel Him slowly and lovingly pruning away at all of the parts that are unpleasing to Him. While this journey has been difficult, heartbreaking, and exhausting, I am hopeful that 2020 is our year of growth.

^{5 “}I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

2020

I pray that each of you, no matter what you are going through, find renewed hope in God’s word. This may be your season of pruning. And while it can be so hard, it is also necessary. Be encouraged that the season of pruning does not last forever, and on the other side is a season of fruitfulness and growth. Abide in Christ this year. Abide in His promises. Abide in His faithfulness. Abide in His goodness. Abide in his mercy. Abide in His grace. Abide in His love.

May 2020 be a year full of blessings, fruitfulness, and continued growth for us all.