2009 word

I thought of my 2009 word about two or three months ago, and I kept it a secret up until the new year. I wanted to surprise everyone and really articulate my thoughts about it. My new word for 2009 is . . . . . . . . . . . . .

light

I think this builds on become from last year, because as I become, I let more light into my life. One of my favorite quotes I found when I was deciding on my word is from President Spencer W. Kimball:

I have learned that where there is a prayerful heart,
a hungering after righteousness,
a forsaking of sins,
and obedience to the commandments of God,
the Lord pours out more and more light
until one finally has power to pierce the heavenly veil
and to know more than man knows.

One of the insights I've had about light is that wherever there is light, there cannot be darkness. Darkness must recede when there is light; they cannot coexist in the same space. And ultimately there will be light everywhere and darkness nowhere. In my life, I can strive to bring in as much light as possible. This year, I want to have light in my life.


I want to have light in my life in several ways:

• I want to have the light of Christ shine in me
• I want to live in such a way that allows the Lord to light the way for me, even when I don't know where the road will lead
• I want to live my life so I can be a light for others, whether that be through service, listening, a friendship, a smile
  
• I want to live in a way that exudes light; that may sound kind of weird, but I've seen people who have a light about them that is simply a part of them--I want to reach that state, or at least make progress toward that state
• I want to better understand the light of Christ and how that is so crucial in my identity
• I want to build the strength--through the Savior--to light up my moments of darkness
• I want to use my talents as a light for myself and others
• I want to help others see and find the light for themselves
• I want to "walk in the light of His love"
  
• I want to further grow in my identity as a daughter of God and more fully become a child of light

So there's my word. From what light I've experienced in my life, I've realized how full of joy light really is. Learning how to walk in the light (as per the primary song) is one of the purposes of this life, and building on the concept of becoming, light is where and what I want to be.