I'm not into New Year resolutions. Mainly because they set our human flesh up for disappointment and failure, and I've pretty much got that covered for life. However, these last couple of years I've had a word. Not a goal, not a resolute, but a single word the Lord tattooed on my heart. Last year, it was white space. It was learning to create space in my day, in my closet, in my home, and on my calendar so I spent time on what was priority. Notice I said it was something I had to learn. Day by day, God continues His unceasing work as I learn to exit the hedonistic treadmill of life. I'm thankful He has everlasting patience and love.
This year, I shared my word with others close to me and I've decided to share it with you, also: sit. To you, that may seem simple enough, but I have "the disease." I find it difficult to be still because I get this inactive, lazy feeling or my to-do list keeps pounding in my head. When I say sit, I don't mean binge on Netflix or skip doing laundry a week (FYI: my family would be naked by that point). I mean sitting more with my husband, my boys, and most importantly - my God. Sitting and doing activities which produce spiritual fruit and grand memories (and not memories to post on FB and Instagram). Sitting with purpose.
I love the story below in Luke 10. I've even read a book about this very section of scripture, but it has a different meaning for me in this season:
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Occasionally, folks will pass me by at work or out and about and start by saying, "I know you're busy, but..." That isn't the characteristic I want etched on my tombstone: "She was busy." I'm no busier than anyone else and if I am busy, it's because I've chosen to be. I don't ever want my to-dos to trump someone who needs my encouragement. And oftentimes, when I sit still, God quickly reveals those individuals who need uplifting.
What's your word? I had coffee with a good friend on Saturday. We get together once a month and talk about a book of the Bible we're studying or a read we've both committed to finishing. Her word is expectancy. Love that. Being expectant in what the Lord will do in 2017; being hopeful in His work. Another friend has the word rest. Resting in the grace of God and not worrying. Beautiful.
Make time today to sit and expectantly listen to God. You'll hear a grace-filled word, and then that word will pop up somewhere else -- in your quiet time, while talking to a friend, while listening to a song. It will reverberate in your heart over and over if you'll choose to stop the noise for a bit. Once you have your word, I encourage you to share it with others who will commit to praying with you and for you throughout 2017. I've turned on the comments feature for this post in case you'd like to list it below. If you do, I'll be certain to add your word to my list with the others I'm praying alongside.
Blessings in 2017. May you grow deep roots in Him and choose to sit at your Savior's feet and listen to Him.