Deliberate.

An adverb.

As in “be deliberate” or advised, calculated, considered, knowing, measured, reasoned, studied, thoughtful, thought-out, weighed, intentional.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines deliberate (the adverb) as “characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration” or “characterized by awareness of the conseqences”.

In 2012, I hope to be deliberate:

• in seeking God through active study and prayer.
• in loving others by actively searching for ways to show love, not just stumbling upon it.
• in my marriage by setting aside time for my husband, not just giving him what’s left at the end of an exhausting day.
• as a parent by being consistent.
• in friendships by picking up the phone or dropping a note in the mail more than every once in a while.
• in making choices that are better for my body, my mind and our budget.
• in homemaking by creating a comfortable place for my family and a welcoming place for friends.
• in business by setting goals that line up with my dreams and not chasing tangents.

So, that’s it.  I plan to spend 2012 being deliberate, making choices that focus my attention, my time, my money and my health where they need to be.  Like the writer of Hebrew’s encourages:

1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses a surrounding us, let us lay aside everyweight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB)

That’s my word.