Each December, I ask God for a word for the coming year. It is a way to dream about what He might have in store for the coming months, and it helps me to stay focused no matter what happens throughout the year.

For 2016, the word was growth. I lost count of how many times I regretted choosing (or allowing God to give me) that word. Growing pains are a very real thing – even when the growth isn’t physical. The pain of the process aside, I feel like growth happened in several areas of my life.

The verses God gave me to go with that word were Isaiah 54:1-3. Verse 2 says, “Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs.” It certainly feels like God expanded my place of dwelling and belonging here in Ireland last year. I have gotten more connected and had more opportunities to serve the community here than I expected, and I’m so grateful that God appears to be strengthening my roots here. (I am still believing that God will give me favor with my visa extension and allow me to continue growing here!)

The word for this year is discovery. I am excited, and perhaps a bit nervous, to see what this means. For a number of years, I have felt God saying I am a treasure that will one day be uncovered and put on display to bring him glory. Perhaps this is the year. I don’t know what that looks like – and honestly, I’m a little uncomfortable saying it because it seems prideful, (and I don’t relish the idea of being on display or in a spotlight).

The verses I felt like God gave me are found in Matthew 5. Verses 14-16 say, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

I felt challenged when reading these verses, that no matter what it looks like for me to be “discovered” and put on display, I cannot try to hide again. Coming out of hiding can be a scary thing; vulnerability can feel much like being unprotected, left out in the open for attack. Those who’ve read Live Your Story, or even the first chapter or two, may think I should have no problem with being vulnerable. In many ways, my life is an open book, but it feels like that may be only the beginning of what God wants to do.

I don’t know what’s in store for this year or what to expect with this word. What I do know is God will not put me on display and leave me exposed and undefended. He is my shield, and if I can bring Him glory with my life, I want to let my light shine bright!