I don't know why, but I do this every year. Certain words become evident that they need more reflection in my life.
The past few months, two words have come to the front and center of my life.
Joy and Courage.
A friend called recently and randomly shared two stories with me that made me want to hang up on her. Because these two words jumped into mind and I had been "hearing" it from the Lord many times over and really I just didn't like it and decided to "hang up" on Him. But, I couldn't just hang up on my friend, could I? That would be so rude!
Yet, I hang up on Him countless time each day because I don't like what I'm hearing.
Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on me and sending me friends that say Your words and make it super clear that THIS is what I'm supposed to hear and do.
Her story about Joy was that a priest reminded her that Joy isn't a feeling. It is a virtue, a habit that needs to be cultivated and worked at and sought after.
I definitely have always seen it as a feeling and lamented the fact that as a Type A, Melancholic-Choleric personality, Joy just doesn't come to me naturally. Well, pooey on that!! I can be joyful too and want the Joy of Him who is Joy to radiate in my life.
But this will take Courage. Courage to stand up to myself and my laziness and my fear. I seek Courage to continually surrender to His plans. To not ask, "How much is this going to hurt?" before saying Yes.
What are your words for 2011?
