It's been six years since I first chose one word to ponder throughout the year, and now that small collection of words have become like old friends. I wanted those words to be kept in a spot where they're sure to be seen several times a day, so naturally I put them by the kitchen sink. And it works. These words are supposed to be reminders, not resolutions. It took me a while to find my word this year because I kept coming up with commands. Words that needed action. Words that felt like reminders of all that I'm not doing. I go there all too easily without any help from my word, so it needs to be an arrow pointing to the truth of who I already am in Christ, and the freedom that comes along with that position. It needs to point me in the direction I've already decided I want to go in those moments when life is pressing in and I'm most likely to run the opposite way.
treasure
noun: wealth or riches stored or accumulated; any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized
verb: to retain carefully, or keep in store; to regard or treat as precious; to cherish
Matthew 6:20-21 sys, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy, where thieves cannot break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The relational, emotional and logistical demands on me are great in this season. I am quick to carry them around like a weight upon my shoulders, and when I'm attempting to haul that load perfectly myself then the truths of God's light burden and easy yoke feel elusive, at best. I begin to see those good things as unchecked boxes instead of opportunities for grace and mercy. I believe that the responsibility of building God's kingdom for him is on me, instead of offering myself for God to build his kingdom through me. I forget who I am and I forget Whose I am. I forget that I am the daughter of a king, the heir to a great treasure. I forget that my treasure is not in short-term good works, but in the work that Jesus has already done and the eternity he has prepared for me.
My prayer this year is that I would remember that my treasure can not be found on this earth or in the approval of men. That the opportunities I have within my own walls to nurture and serve and love are significant and enough. That there are so many good and worthy things that I could do for God's kingdom, but there are a few things that only I can do, and that those things are worthy of my full attention. That God promises to give abundant grace for what He is asking of me, but when I veer into other waters in an attempt to gain the approval of others (or myself. Or God) then I'm putting on a heavy-laden weight. If I am being reminded that my treasure is in heaven, then I am less likely to be tossed about like a ship at sea seeking earthly treasures.
Planting Trees, Andrew Peterson
We chose the spot
We dug the hole
We laid the maples in the ground
To have and hold
As autumn falls
To winters sleep
We pray that somehow in the spring
The roots grow deep
And many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn, hmm
He took a plane
To Africa
He gathered up into his arms
An orphan son
So many years from now
Long after we are gone
This tree will spread its branches out
And bless the dawn
So sit down and write that letter
Sign up and join the fight
Sink in to all that matters
Step out into the light
Let go of all that's passing
Lift up the least of these
Lean into something lasting
Planting trees, hmm, yeah
She rises up
As morning breaks
She moves among these rooms alone
Before we wake
And her heart is so full
It overflows
She waters us with love
And the children grow
So many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless someone, hmm