It started as an seemingly small inquiry: talk to me, God, about what's ahead.  What word do you want to define 2013 for me?

After the eternity of an instant, the word came to me like the Roadrunner ambushing Wile. E. Coyote: thrive.

"Um, I'm sure I didn't hear that right.  That was way too easy.  That came way too quick.  That sounds like something I deeply desire so it can't be You, God, can it?"  My mind immediately rejected the profoundly simple yet transformative word.  But my heart... my heart yearned for it.

Three more times I implored Heaven with an open and unattached heart fully expecting long silence to ensue.  And three more times the word came to me almost as soon as the words fell off my silent lips.

Thrive.

"What is it to thrive?"  I wondered.  I pondered this question for a week; exploring it, caressing it, penetrating it, beholding its mystery in my heart. 

What IS it to thrive?  What does it look like in my life?  How is it possible?  Who must I be and what must I do?

With fierce resolve I declared...
I must discover the mystery of this word.  
I must unravel its secrets.  
I must journey a thousand miles with it by my side.

With my 2013 word securely set, I anxiously awaited the New Year to open it like a Christmas present and marvel at its wonder.

5...4...3...2...1... 

As the New Year's ball dropped in New York and millions worldwide welcomed in the New Year throughout the evening with drinks and celebration, with loneliness and desperation, I unwrapped a gift given to me by the Father of my Soul.  

"What kind of wonderful Daddy gives such a mysterious gift like this?" My heart pondered for minutes saturating in the abundance of thrive and all that could be.

Upon waking on New Year's Day, I jumped in with both feet as if 'thrive' were an ocean of possibility waiting for my wayfarer heart to explore, "Speak to me about 'thrive'.  Teach me."  I invited God to begin as I went about my day listening for His words to kindle the fire in my chest.

I can't remember when what I'm about to share occurred to me but He brought the following to my mind from an adaptation of the Daily Prayer for Freedom:

You came to set me free, and to lead me to abundant life, and I receive all of that freedom and abundance into my life this day. I now take my place in your resurrection, whereby I have been made alive with you. I reign in life through you. I put on the new man in all honor and humility, in all power and purity and truth. You are life to me, Jesus, the one who strengthens me.

Not scarcity, abundance.
Not captive, free.
Not powerless, reign.


































One of the first learnings that truly impacted how I approach each day was this simple yet powerful phrase: what can firewolf uniquely bring to my organization that it desperately needs?  This has completely morphed how I view what I do during my contributing hours and lies completely inline with thriving in 2013.  

Another learning that I've had is this: I'm done with the merry-go-round.  Another way of saying this is that I refuse to stay stuck.  I'm drawing lines.  This far and no farther.  

I'm done with playing safe. Safe serves no purpose in your unleashing. Your freedom means more to me than your comfort. 
(go ahead and tweet that)

When I align all my God-given talents, gifts, values, aspects, identity, and mission, how do I show up?  What gets created?  Are people more free as a result?  Am I thriving?

I can't even contain the excitement that I have with my 2013 word, thrive!  I know from what I learned last year (check it out here: looking back - forging ahead) that 'thrive' will build upon 2012 and require all my strength and courage.  But I also know that in October I crossed a threshold and now stand ready and poised to receive the truth of 'thrive'.

What rituals or practices do you use to look ahead and dream with God?