And My Word for 2012 Is.....

GRACIOUSNESS.  It was between that and hope.  I really wanted it to be hope.   But graciousness was confirmed in a year-end simulcast by Pastor Rick Warren for pastors and  Christian leaders.  My husband and I watched it together.  In his conclusion, Warren gave some suggestions for personal growth.   He said, “The mark of godliness is graciousness. The more carnal I am, the more critical I am...Be slow to judge what people do until you know what they've been through.”

I've taken the first step and looked graciousness up in on-line dictionaries.  It's the noun form of the adjective gracious which means (as I was afraid it might):
  1. having or showing kindness, courtesy, charm, etc.
  2. merciful; compassionate
  3. indulgent or polite to those held to be inferiors
  4. characterized by the taste, luxury, and social ease associated with prosperity, education, etc.: gracious living
  5. Archaic having pleasing qualities; attractive
I do need/want to work on that.  And I DO need the Lord to work IN me concerning this.  But before I have to put GRACIOUSNESS into motion, let me get a few pet peeves out of the way:
  • Hearing or reading after the death of someone, "God needed another angel" or "he/she has his/her angel wings now. " People do NOT turn into angels when they die!
  • Flash mobs.  The first ones I saw were pretty cool.  Lately, not so much.
  • The phrase "prayers to you".  Prayers are addressed to God.  (Maybe prayers FOR you....????)
  • Annoying phone calls from Rachel who calls concerning my credit card account..."there is NOT a problem with your account, but....yadayada).
  • Facebook friends who share the links to companies "giving away $200 to everyone" who likes their page (and fills out a bunch of information in the process).
  • Milk at the very BACK of the grocery store.
There are probably more.  If I think of them, I'll put graciousness on hold temporarily and let you know.  Is there anything YOU want to get out there before you start to be gracious?



11 comments:

  1. I want to work in this direction, too.

    I have trouble being gracious with people who invite themselves over to our home (family excluded of course).

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  2. Hi Rebecca,
    Saw you at 'Gardener on Sherlock Street' and thought I would take a look. Having read your post, are you me? Very funny,especially the pet peeves! Prayers to you ;)

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  3. Great year word...mine is meekness. May you see God work in you and bring about graciousness.

    Happy New Year

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  4. I'll go with you on annoying phone calls. Still thinking about my word. Wishes for good health and happiness in 2012.

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  5. Great word and character quality and great funny post!

    Blessings on your growth in 2012!

    Deanna

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  6. Love your peeves...I have so many (sigh.)
    Where do I start?
    I am thinking that if I am peeved by that many things, perhaps I should make a list and get back to you.
    That I will.
    I've enjoying blogging with you in 2011. I look forward to our continued friendship in 2012.
    Happy New Year!!!!
    Hugs and love to you, Rebecca.
    J.

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  7. Love this post, Rebecca! I need to develop in graciousness, oh, yes.

    Since you asked, I Hate,hate,hate it when people are on their cells in public places. I do NOT want to hear your conversation with Aunt Minnie, your argument with Richard, or the latest gossip with Gerty. There, got that off my chest. Thanks!

    My word for 2012 is Wisdom. The God-kind.

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  8. Happy New Year, Rebecca! May the Lord bless you and yours abundantly!

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  9. Your pets are my pets :)

    When I think of graciousness, I think of the Law of Kindness. It's a sure force that harnesses both heart & tongue.

    A good word.

    Happy New Year!
    Kathleen

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  10. Graciousness ~ sounds heavenly. 'Loved how you described it all. And it's something I need to strive for too.

    I agree with most of your pet peeves (although I still enjoy the flash mobs), and I'm sure I could add to your list, but lately my irritation isn't a pet peeve, it's a big irritant ~ POLITICS. Yuck. (Oh, I guess that wasn't very gracious now, was it?)

    Blessed New Year!
    Love and Prayers,
    Eileen

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  11. Well, yes I do have a pet peeve. The phrase RIP being used to address someone who has already died. I've told my kids to never apply this acronym to my status once I'm gone. Instead, the could type RWP, resting with Peace. Once I'm dead, it's too late to tell me. Really.

    How's that?

    Here's a toast to a more gracious life in 2012, although I can't imagine your needing it. I, on the other hand, need a dozen or more lessons on the topic.

    peace~elaine

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)