Slow but sure

If I tried to describe myself as an animal then I'd probably say I was more of a tortoise than a hare, though my mind has definite leaping, easily distracted hare-like tendencies.

My life is, of necessity, lived in the Slow Lane and plodding on through the dense foliage ahead of me, barely able to discern the way ahead, is my current way of being.

But it does allow for breath to pause, ponder and enjoy the glints of the extraordinary, ordinary graces shining in the dust and detritus.

When life slows down we cannot fail to notice everyday miracles and be thankful for them.

So here we are, already February, and I am about to reveal my One Word for 2013

Over the last four years I have been unexpectedly blessed by a specific 'word' that God has impressed upon my heart and mind early in the year. It is only as the months have gone by that I've seen the significance of this word and its application to my life.

I haven't assumed a new one would come each year. They didn't pop up with a 'Eureka' firework moment of illumination on January 1st either. Rather, it has been a gradual realisation, a dawning of awareness that this was the one to pay attention to.

Long before I was on social media or started blogging, this has been the pattern for me. I see it as part of God's grace and understanding of my individual needs. Once I saw the OneWord2013 initiative and read about the choices people were making, I realised I shouldn't leap onto the bandwagon or try to pre-empt what God might have to share with me. 

So I prayed, waited and it came.

His 'word' for me in 2013 is - 'COME'

Like a child jumping into a Father's arms 

There are many inviting and encouraging verses in the Bible with the word 'Come'. These are personal favourites:

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, 

come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without cost" ~ Isaiah 55:1

This speaks to me of spiritual thirst and hunger. Our soul's longings are fully satisfied and met by being in relationship with God

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ~ Matthew 11:28

Here, Jesus is offering spiritual, mental and physical rest that comes from trusting Him to carry our burdens instead of allowing them to weigh heavy.

I am already beginning to see some implications from 'Come' - my word for 2013 - This is how it strikes me so far:

Invitation:to join God on the journey. Let Him lead. Take His hand and trust the outcome to Him because He will keep me safe.

Welcome:into His Presence - the place of rest, joy and peace. Practise being with Him mindfully throughout the day. 

Leave:something behind that is dragging me down. Be ready to escape Egypt (past events holding me captive) and enter the Promised Land (future) of His choosing.

Embrace:In order to move forward I need to be willing to embrace the new things He has planned and not try to run away from what looks scary to my eyes. 

Let go:of old habits, ways of doing and behaving. Requires obedience and willingness.

Be prepared:for disruption. Change can feel uncomfortable for a while, like squeezing our feet into shoes that don't fit right. Not looking forward to this part!

Challenge:Despite my tortoise-like ways I am being encouraged to move forward and let Him set both pace and agenda.

Committing:to the calling on my life by reading His word, praying, listening for His voice and discerning His will.

I want to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit calling out across the sands of time, His whisper in the breeze blowing through the reeds of reality; and I want to say "yes" to going wherever He leads me

One small word can change a life

One small step can alter a destiny

Prayer
Father,
We are always seeking signs of Your activity 
and awareness of Your Presence in our lives.
Our hearts can only truly find their home in You
and be at peace as we follow Your ways
instead of our own.
Help us as we reflect on 
resolutions broken
hopes deferred
and dreams unfulfilled
to spend time asking
what You would have us do.
How we can wisely spend
 the gift of years
the talents you have given 
the calling 
and purpose 
of our lives
to bless others 
and be obedient to You
Amen.

What is God asking of you this year?

Do you have a 'word' for 2013?

I would love you to share it here

More of my journey will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

In this post I am linking up with Missional Women Faith-filled Friday

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