This year, I chose the word “abide” as the word I would dwell in. In some ways, I was successful; in others, not so much. . . .

I “abided” in the Word of God for most of the year; that is, I read and meditated on scripture for at least five days of the week. Of course, there were some weeks when I fell short of the goal, but over all, I am happy with my results. I am looking forward to the coming year as I “dare” to stay in the Word. The thing I learned is that when I stay with the word and abide in it throughout the day, I am a better person to myself at least. The book that meant the most to me this year is the book of Hebrews, taking a step toward living in faith even when I cannot see the results.

I did not “abide” so much in my photographic practice. And for me, practice is the correct word to use. I realize how much more I want to learn. Yes, I am comfortable with the technical side—I can set aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance; I know the rule of thirds (even if I don’t always follow the rule). I know basic Photoshop workflow. I want to move further in the development of “art.”

To abide in something means to stick with it for a while, to live with it. And when abiding in something, that thing becomes a kind of “home,” a place of rest and comfort and residence. I think this has been the lesson of this word, to learn how to rest in a place or in an idea or a practice until it becomes as familiar as home.

As 2016 comes to a close, I am choosing a new word. for 2017, the word of the year will be dare, as in “I dare you.” This coming year, I will give myself new dares to try. But that is for another post.