A New Friend Fifty Days In

We are now seven weeks into the new year. Today marks fifty days since I received my One Word for 2014. Since the Greek word Pentecost means fifty, I’m regarding today as my own personal Pentecost of sorts. I’m commemorating and reflected on what this past seven weeks has held in regards to my one word, Honest.

I’m new to this exercise of choosing a single word to concentrate on for an entire year.  I can see the wisdom in it, for I’ve learned some things about the power of focus. Honestly though (why yes…of course I’m being honest), I haven’t actually focused much on my word.  Like I said, I’m new to this idea so I haven’t known exactly how to proceed.  It’s funny though, even without trying, the word does keep popping up.  I hear myself using it in conversation or in writing (as you just saw), and it’s like a bell goes off in my head. It’s causing me pause, like punctuation in the narrative of my life, it’s slowing me down, creating time to consider whether I’m using this word Honest honestly.

Also, in ways I would have never expected, I can see it making a difference in my prayer life.  I’m finding that some of the formality with which I approach the Lord is gone.  This might not sound like a good thing, but unbeknownst to me, formality defined is the rigid observance of rules; a thing you must do as part of an official process, but that has little meaning and will not affect what happens. Could there be a worse description of prayer?

This word Honest is causing a more personal, intimate, might I say friendly communication with the Lord.  I’m drawing closer to the sentiment of Abba in addition to Father. One of the greatest longings of my heart, I dare say most people’s hearts, is to have someone to talk to. I can sense the yearning from the depths of my soul when I hear people speak of sincere, unguarded, intimate friendships. Surprisingly, this word is causing me to address the Lord as that person. To some this might seem obvious and to yet others impious, but for me let’s just say it’s unfamiliar.  It’s uncharted territory I’m traveling with slight trepidation. Nevertheless, I’m discovering an unexpected, welcome result. I’m sensing more love, more acceptance, more understanding and compassion from this God I’ve claimed to know as such.  It’s not as though I haven’t known Him in this way, but there’s a sweet comfort, the sense of a softer place to fall that I wasn’t aware I was missing in my relationship with Him.

As apprehensive as I’ve been about it, I’m experiencing a surprising peace in this new place and more and more I’m realizing that it’s really not frightening…it’s more like friendship. Honest.

Go here for my 100 day update.