Joining the crowd growing at Alece’s place – choosing one word for 2012 – a word that will shape decisions, influence thinking, guide us into God’s presence with greater intentionality during the year ahead. And also joining with Bonnie over at The Faith Barista for her invitation at the Thursday jam session. 
This choice was a tough one for me, primarily because I am by nature not a patient person. But here it is:
WAITING
Not because I want to.
Heaven knows I’m not good at it.
But because it is absolutely
central
to what it means to be
a follower after Jesus,
one who is invited
into the fellowship of
our Trinitarian God.
So.
I am waiting.
Waiting with hope.
With expectancy.
With trust.
At least that’s what I’m asking for
as I wait.
That I might be able to say with Simeon,
“NOW, O Lord, let your servant depart in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation…”
Not that I’m in a great big hurry to go anywhere,
not even to heaven,
truth be told.
But because the beauty of Simeon’s character
just shimmers through every word of that verse in Luke 2.
I’d like to shine like that.
And I’m guessing that learning about
waiting
is how to pick up a glimmer or two,
here and there.
I have no clue how God will use this word,
this experience,
to form me,
to buff up the shine,
to build in me a clearer reflection
of the LIGHT.
But I’m willing to lean into it
with all I’ve got.
To consistently make an effort to take my hands off
the reins of my life,
and the lives of the people I love,
and to trust that all will be well.
Even if it doesn’t turn out like I expect.
Even if it doesn’t turn out like I hope.
Even if it doesn’t turn out at all.
Because I think that’s a big part of trust, don’t you?
Turning our hands upward,
empty,
and saying,
“Thy will be done.
Thy will be done.”
And I don’t think that can happen if I am
striving,
pushing,
driving,
insisting,
worrying,
obsessing,
fretting,
or
otherwise trying to control things
over which I truly have no power.
I do think it might happen if I can learn more about
waiting.
So that’s my word for 2012.
Every three months or so, I’ll try and post here about how it’s going, what I’m learning, where Life is taking me.
If you need me,
I’ll be here.
Waiting.
Oh, Diana, what rich blessings you and your words bring this morning! They inspire and challenge and encourage.
My favorite part:
“…the beauty of Simeon’s character just shimmers through every word of that verse in Luke 2. I’d like to shine like that. And I’m guessing that learning about waiting is how to pick up a glimmer or two, here and there.”
Diana, I want you to know you already shimmer and glimmer, and your God-given shine comes through in your thoughts and your words and your heart. But I understand your point — waiting will no doubt increase that sparkle! I’m honored to be a follower of your blog, and a learner at your feet.
Many thanks, Diana.
Linda
Dear Diana – “to trust that all will be well” – it is the wisdom that can come from being in ‘quite late middle age’! I loved your poem and will take your word ‘waiting’ to heart – it’s a good word for me too. Thank you – and thank you too for visiting mayfirsteverlasting. Google usually doesn’t let me comment via wordpress – but I will try to get this thru to you. I am so thankful for our cyber friendship!
An excellent, difficult word Diana. It is a life-long lesson for me – this learning absolute trust. I pray that the waiting will work miracles in your heart.
This is beautiful, poignant and worshipful, Diana. I resonate so much with your words … especially “But I’m willing to lean into it with all I’ve got.
To consistently make an effort to take my hands off the reins of my life, and the lives of the people I love, and to trust that all will be well.” Letting go. Waiting. Shining. All my heart’s desire and all by Grace alone. I look forward to reading the updates on your “waiting”.
Diana, I’m glad that’s your word and not mine. I’m terrible at waiting! But I’ll enjoy watching you along the way in your waiting journey this year. Maybe this gray-haired old woman will even learn something. (Just not so much that waiting becomes my word for next year, please?)
Waiting.
Isn’t it interesting that patients spend so much time waiting? Is that why they’re called patients?
Waiting.
With you.
I’m so glad you were right in front of me at Bonnie’s place.
You’re right. We can’t do it “striving, pushing, driving, insisting, worrying, obsessing, fretting,or otherwise trying to control thingsover which I truly have no power.”
God Bless.