Choosing A Word For 2013

I have been seeing a lot of bloggers choose a "word" for the new year. This is something I have never heard of or done. I found it interesting, though, so have been giving it a lot of thought. I decided to look at what the Bible tells us are the "fruits of the Spirit" and choose a "fruit" that I have really failed to "bear" in 2012... and make it my word for 2013. My hope would be to ponder this word more through the year, to pray to have this fruit spring forth daily, and spend more time in The Word so that I can grow in all areas of Spirit-filled Fruits.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:22-26

I'll admit, it was hard to choose. So many (all?) of the fruits are areas I need growth... major growth. After much prayer, I finally chose meekness as my word for 2013. Noah Websters 1828 English Dictionary, defines meekness as "Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations." I need meekness when responding to my husband. I need meekness when instructing my children. I need meekness while visiting with others. So often I react instead of respond in a meek and godly manner. I need to rethink how I have been interacting with those I love most and hold most dear. I need to remember how God instructs me as a wife, mother, and His child. 

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1 

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." 1 Peter 3:1-6

And if I chose a word for my family, where I hope that we could grow more together, it would be Love. That we would "...have benevolence or good will for" one another in the coming year and always. (Noah Webster, 1828)

Isn't it amazing how clearly and simply God spells out what it means to be His child?
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33

But, we know that it is only because of, and through, Jesus Christ that we may live each day striving to be more like Him, so that we may be made perfect before God.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Do you have a word for 2013? How did you choose it? What does it mean for you?