A very happy 2014 to you!! Each year I pick a word for the year – to ponder, apply, use and hopefully live up to. A word that inspires, motivates and intrigues. My word of the year for 2014 is, with drum roll please, DILIGENCE.
An intimidating word, to be sure! The Random House online 
dictionary defines Diligence: dil•i•gence1 /ˈdɪl ɪ dʒəns/ n. 1. constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. 2. the degree of care and caution expected of a person. (d. 1300–50)
For the past few years I’ve chosen a word, and this year it kind of chose me, through Steve Laube’s blog. I’ve posted it on a tiny sticky note, stuck to the corner of my computer.
In 1999 I traveled with my mother to see a lighthouse named after my 9th great-grandfather. He was a Puritan who left England in the 1630’s. I’m certain those early immigrants who founded the colonies that would birth a nation possessed true diligence.
I love the word. I love its cadence, I love its import, I love its challenge. I’m excited to see its impact this year on my work, my relationships, my communion with God.
How about you? Do you have a word for 2014? If you do, I love to hear about it! If not, I wish you diligence in finding it!