C U L T I V A T E

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In thinking about a word of the year... this word Cultivate keeps coming to mind.  It's a strong word.  Similar, in a way, to words from the past - such as "grow/growth", "strong/ courageous" - that I've dove into and made my "word(s) for the year".    They too, were strong words.  Deep words.  Hard words.

I will say - I wrestled with this one, as well.  I wasn't sure I wanted to go this involved; dig this deep.  

I do think it is rather interesting how these varying words all tie together...for me!   There must be a greater work - God is calling me, to.  If not greater, per say - it is maybe more of a settling or an enriching...that I need!

There is certainly treasure, here - I need to discover.

Cul | ti | vate (verb)

1. prepare and use for crops and gardening

2. try to acquire or develop ( a quality, sentiment or skill),  pursue

3. win the friendship or favor of (someone)

4. apply oneself to improving or developing (one's mind or manners)

***
People say that 2020 is going to be a momentous year!  I agree.  A lot of changes coming this way...

• Family-wise (I'm going to be aunt again, twice over!  Very exciting!!)
• Friendships/Relationships
• Church
• Home-based business
• in home (house projects)
• Health
• Kindness and (adding) Value

It's challenging to think how to Cultivate might affect each one of these areas.  As I already alluded to... some of these areas really need tending to.   Weeds need to be pulled.  Some need extra nurturing, love and care.  Some areas just need a do-over!!    By and large - this isn't going to all be an easy "row to hoe" !!  Ha!  Do you like my pun, there?    But, I'm excited about the results.  God must really have something here HE wants me to know and discover. 

 But.  you wanna know something?  Truth is... we're only half way through January and I'm already seeing this process of cultivation beginning to happen.

I'm curious.  And, I know I've asked this in last post - some of you answered.  :)
 Do you have a Word for the Year?   If you do, Is it one that will keep you digging?

I want to end my time here today with this poem, from The Book of Virtues.  May it help you and I, as we begin to cultivate...our heart soil!

Count That Day Lost

If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done, 
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard, 
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went ---
Then you may count that day well spent.

But if, through all the livelong day, 
You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay ---
If, through it all 
You've nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face ---
No act most small
That helped some soul and nothing cost ---
Then count that day as worse than lost.

~  Mary Ann Evans, (better known as, George Eliot 1819-1880)