One Thing

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 

Philippians 3:4

Do you know what an Everything Bagel is? It’s a bagel topped with a variety of seeds, garlic, onions, and a salt mixture. It’s unlike other bagels that typically are plain, or have one topping. I enjoy Everything Bagels, yet sometimes I relish a one-topping bagel with satisfaction.

One thing. Is it possible to focus on one thing this year and succeed? I wholeheartedly believe it is! Even as a multi-tasking woman who sincerely desires to honor God with my life, I believe it is possible and rewarding.

When I attempt to juggle “everything” I lose focus and effectiveness—not to mention—I’m fatigued and stressed. The last few years my “one thing” has been “one word.” I prayerfully consider what one word to immerse myself in for an entire year. Then I select at least one Bible verse to shepherd me and my word. I’ve chosen such words as, “breathe” and “free.” 

My one word for 2015 is “simplify.”

To focus on one word for an entire year is to be empowered, rather than drained and mediocre.

Other “one thing” ideas may include: engaging intimately with The Word; increasing the amount added to your savings by 1%; saying one word of encouragement every day to someone in need; altering the course of your life direction by one degree, continuously over time, to arrive at a new destination.

One thing or one word incorporated into our lives this year is not about outward behavior modification. It’s all about our heart condition as we relate to the Holy One. Take time to ponder and pray over your “one thing” for the year. 

Heavenly Father, I pray, “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live, and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live” (1 Corinthians 8:6). Amen.

Karen Sims