Goodness, it's as if I write one blog post a year lately. Lol, here it is, right after the new year and I just had an incredible conversation with God and immediately thought about my blog.
Again, I was out walking, on a mission to process my thoughts.... here's what I discovered!
Last year, for the first time, I did DaySpring's "Word of Truth" quiz to discover my word of the year. My 2018 word was "JOY". I was delighted by that word and embraced it. All year ... well, at least most of it, I was thrilled to show JOY, to choose JOY, to share JOY! To me, it was seemingly an easy thing to do and it filled me with ... well, JOY!
As the new year was approaching I was excited to learn my new word all the while deciding I would continue with joy as I embraced my new word. Haha, I am surprised my new word wasn't "patience" as I kept contacting DaySpring to see when their latest quiz would be out so I could get my new word.
They were so sweet as they informed me that the day after Christmas the quiz would be up. That morning as I awoke I prayed and asked God to choose the word He wanted for me.
I was overjoyed when I discovered that my new Word of Truth ... my 2019 word of the year would be HOPE!
As I walked today and processed I admitted I was struggling. I immediately got ready to text a friend but stopped myself and poured my heart out to God instead. I shared with Him that I didn't know how to "show" HOPE. I have hope for many things. I am thrilled that God gave me that word but I had no idea what to do with it. JOY ... that was easy! It's easy to feel (okay, realistically, there were days I had to CHOOSE Joy) but it seemed to me like it was easy to spot when I was sharing JOY ... but what on earth was I suppose to do to show that I was embracing HOPE.
Suddenly God sent a situation to my mind and I realized that perhaps it's not all about me. (Ha, quite the concept). What I realized that I could do ... and perhaps that's the intent is to help others feel HOPE. All those who passed me could probably see my step get lighter and quicker and the smile on my face as I began to realize that could be my "calling" for the year.
As I continued walking, I received an email from a friend that had a story in it. The basis of the story was to share HOPE with others ... to help them feel HOPE! I smiled at the confirmation and the fact that my friend would "freak" in a good way if she knew what had just happened.
I've been feeling a little sad that I no longer walk in my favorite place ... after it was invaded by humans and all the stories of creatures I have been "encouraged" to not walk it alone. I paused to think of the trails full of my tears, my giggles, my sweet conversations with God, as well as the treasured memories of times I shared those pathways with others. It makes me smile, though, to know that although my pathways have changed a bit, I still am blessed but the lessons learned ... the nature I see ... the memories I am creating.
Into Dust by Mack Brock
Until next time ... hold onto the hope that Jesus offers!
