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 with M.E is, of necessity, lived in the Slow Lane. Because plodding through the dense foliage ahead of me, barely able to discern the way ahead, is my current way of being.

But it does allow breath to pause, ponder, pray and enjoy the glints of extraordinary 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 leaping ahead, trusting she’ll be safe and won’t fall flat on her face.

girl jumping - slow but sure - faith- trust @joylenton.com

I’m already beginning to see some implications for “Come”, such as:

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.

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, as we
spend time asking what You would have us do. How to wisely spend the gift of years, the talents you have given, the calling and purpose of our lives, while blessing others and being obedient to You.
Amen.

Do you have a ‘word’ for 2013? I would love you to share it here.

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