My One Word 2019: Prudence

Five years ago I stumbled across the One Word Challenge on Twitter, thus was the beginning of a new tradition for me, My One Word. I've always had a hard time getting resolutions to stick with me throughout the year, I have found when I decide on one word, and live by it, it becomes innate. It becomes so ingrained in everything I do, combined with my past words, I feel like I'm becoming a better me! Each year I create small signs, and other little reminders, that I strategically place so that I see them each day. I share my One Word with a few others that I know will keep me accountable. It is so much easier to remember my "One Word" when others know my mission! 

My "One Word" through the years: 

2015: Grow

2016: Diligent

2017: Impeccable

2018: Still

This past December I began to contemplate words, I developed  a short list that I began to pray over and study. One word kept coming back to me...prudence.

1. pru·dence
   

   Dictionary result for prudence

   /ˈpro͞odns/

   noun

   1. the quality of being prudent; cautiousness.

      
      

      "we need to exercise prudence in such important matters"

      
      

      synonyms:

      wisdom, judgment, good judgment, judiciousness, sagacity, shrewdness, advisability, common sense, sense "foresters argue about the prudence of drastic thinning" caution, cautiousness, care, carefulness, canniness, chariness, wariness, circumspection; far-sightedness, foresight, forethought; discretion "an elder counselled prudence" thrift, thriftiness, providence, good management, careful budgeting, economy, canniness,frugality, abstemiousness; forehandedness; raresparingness "thanks to his father's prudence, a fortune was made"

Prudence is found throughout the bible, a few of my favorite verses that speak to prudence are: 

"[there is] a time to keep silence, and a time to speak"

Ecclesiastes 3:7

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry"

James 1:19

I have always been the type of person to jump in quickly to solve a problem and share my knowledge the second someone calls or text me with an issue. Wisdom is full of prudence, good management, a balance if you will. I am learning that taking a step back, looking at the "big picture", learning to have a good amount of wait time (in some cases twenty four hours or more) is a good thing.  Proverbs 1: 1-4

There have been many trials in my life, several over the past year. In each of these circumstances I have tried to handle myself with grace and dignity, but fell short many times. I am reminded of the verse in Proverbs 12:16, "A fool's wrath is quickly and openly known, but a prudent man ignores an insult". The bible never promises that we will not face adversities, however it does promise the strength and grace to overcome adversity. God has shown himself in so many circumstances over my life, I am so thankful. 

I am continually seeking knowledge to help me grow personally and professionally, Solomon says in Proverbs 18:15, "The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking knowledge". I pray I will always have a hunger to grow and learn.  

Some may wonder why I am blogging my one word a month into 2019...that's simple, I was practicing being prudent! A prudent man carefully considers his steps...

Have a Fabulous 2019!

Teachingly, 

Mrs. Hime