Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Prov. 19:21)

Many years ago now, I learned about the word of the year challenge through a radio program. I looked into it and decided I wanted to try for myself and see if choosing a word to focus on would help me grow closer to God. It did.

I’ve been choosing a word of the year for so long now that I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve done it. Some years, the word I choose fits better than others. For two years in a row, my word was bold, to remind me to be confident in my decisions and step out in faith. It worked surprisingly well. During this time, I led the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. (OWFI) with intention and managed not to shy away from difficult things. In 2022, my word was purpose. Unfortunately, my year felt very much like it was without purpose, but because of my choice of words, I was constantly reminded to refocus and keep moving forward.

This year, in 2023, my word is flourish. The definition of flourish is 1) to grow luxuriantly (thrive); 2a) to achieve success (prosper); 2b) to be in a state of activity or production; and 2c) to reach a height of development or influence.

Bible verses that speak about flourishing include the following:

• “They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God” (Psalm 92:13 ESV).
• “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 ESV).
• “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1:1–6 ESV).

When I pick a word, I like it to apply to a variety of experiences. Flourish can apply to my writing life, to relationships, to finances, and to my spiritual life, among many other things.

In 2022, I did not reach any of my writing goals, and I stopped writing this blog regularly. This year, I intend for my writing life to flourish.

It’s always interesting to see how the word of the year plays out in my life. I can guarantee that it’s never the way I think it will be when the year begins. God gives me the word, and he also guides how it plays out.

Last year was a hard year, and I’m hoping and praying for better things. But even in the hard things, I know that with God’s help, I can flourish, and you can too.

Dear Jesus, thank you that we have closed the books on 2022 and are moving into 2023 with new hope and focus. Please open my eyes to ways the word flourish can work in my life and bring me closer to you. Amen.