Crave!

Recently I have seen quite a few posts on social media regarding a personal “word of the year.” The concept is to choose a word at the beginning of each year that you will focus your energy on; a word that should help you to become a better person and achieve the desires of your heart.

The idea intrigues me, and I have enjoyed reading the various words that friends have come up with for 2017. Among them are, “Create,” “Joy,” “Persevere.” Throughout the past few weeks, the word “Crave” appears to be the word that is speaking to me most.

There is nothing more compelling than a true craving. What pregnant woman hasn’t moved heaven and earth to get to a carton of ice cream?  As a school teacher I can think of students throughout the years who have simply craved attention, whether positive or negative. At this point in my life I crave communication with my children and grandchildren.  As an elderly widow, I see my mother crave hugs and tender physical touch.

When we truly crave something, nothing else will satisfy. It inhabits our every thought and drives us to do unexpected things. Thus in 2017 my word will be CRAVE. I want to crave the things in life that really matter.  I love the way “The Message” version of the Bible puts it: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse….” (Philippians 4:8)

Currently I am on a weight loss plan. I want to crave foods that are healthy fuel for my body rather than those full of calories but void of nutrition. Instead of joining in the ridicule of others and backbiting between political parties, I want to crave peace and love toward others. I want to have the desire to stick to a budget and crave a balanced checkbook. J There are so many qualities and things of this world that are worth craving.

If I can use self-discipline, hopefully my cravings will adjust to the “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, best…beautiful…” things of life. Welcome 2017 – here’s to craving!

Susan