For the holiday, we loaded up and drove to Alabama and I got to be with my siblings and watch Seth bond with my daddy. We have hours of driving under our belts, especially after traveling in ice back to Arkansas. It takes us days to pack, and by the time we’ve locked the doors, turned down the thermostat, and buckled our belts, we’re ready to be still and together. Seth and I talked long about what we want for our lives. We made lists, discussed giving and house plans and budget. We never stop concerning ourselves with how to raise four boys.
The New Year feels like a cold, clean slate. We’re finally back in the rock house after 9 days of nonstop going. I walked through a thin layer of snow in my moccasins last night. I didn’t wear a coat. It’s 2013, and my lungs are cold, my house booms with loud happiest boys, and the world into which I’m sending them is broken.
Everyone unstrings Christmas lights and looks forward to Spring, and I have never had more JOY in my life. Didn’t this Christmas point to Resurrection more than ever?
I can’t stop thinking of it, how Christ taught us to pray: on earth as it is in Heaven.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” It’s so much simpler than my control-freak self wants to list it.
What would it look like to pray Kingdom Come every day this year, to cry not clinging to broken things with my tears, but to cry in expectation for resurrection and reconciliation? What comes in 2013 is Hope and Joy and “all these things added.”
My One Word this year is Kingdom. Winter is cranking, and wisdom says to prepare food and wood in case power goes out how it does around here. Wisdom says fear is no part. We pray Kingdom come, and we’re still in itchy sweaters trying to get stupid songs out of our heads and wondering whether we should have tacos or spaghetti.
Boys file in cold and snuggle under throws on the morning couch. They want to play Angry Birds already, how we all cling to the screens. Kingdom Come like a pair of glasses, like a shift in thinking, like a thief in night.
I’m ready to be awake.
linking with the One Word Community
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh sister yes. I see it here you know…the Kingdom…it is why I come back so often. Bless you.
Melissa recently posted..2013 Word of The Year
Thank you, Melissa.
praying kingdom come? every.day. that’s a what if that doesn’t turn my stomach to knots. thanks for sharing.
kendal recently posted..meet my right-now best friend, anxiety
Good point. What if I stopped all the what-ifs but this that one?
Two words: missed you. Needed your words this morning.
Lori Harris recently posted..When {What If} Looms and Fear Swallows
Look! It’s the What-Ifs again!
Thanks for encouraging me today.
Wow – what a beautiful gift. I love the idea of spending the year focused on the Kingdom. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds for you throughout the year!
JJ, I just love ya. I have no clue how this will unfold. That’s the weird part about all this.
This almost freaks me out a bit. I’ll tell you why in a bit but WOW….and yes. Confirming that this is the Spirit speaking and giving you your word, Amber. Absolutely. For such a time as this.
I’m dying SB! Email me!
I recently, as in maybe a month or two ago, started praying the words “Lord bring your Kingdom, let it fall upon me right now” pretty much every time I pray. It’s really powerful. I’m in love with this Word.
Airs recently posted..A peek inside our house for Christmas…
What an absolutely wonderful lens to see through. What if… I so need Kingdom eyes and ears more often than I’ve thought. Kingdom courage to quiet these fears. Looking forward to how it unfolds.
Suzie Lind recently posted..Wonderstruck {A Timely Book Review}
JOY in capital letters. Good Stuff. I want to be wide awake too, friend. Love ya.
What a powerful word! Several years ago I started choosing three words, and in recent years, they’ve chosen me. This year I’m pondering: Courage, Carve and Shout. The list doesn’t make sense. I want alliteration but Shout fouls that up. I wanted verbs, but Courage got in the way. We’ll see how it all shapes up…
Whenever I make the space to do contemplative prayer, one of my go-to phrases is ‘kingdom come.’ I love it, I long for it. Thanks for this glimpse of the kingdom in your part of the world.
I had the privilege of spending the holiday’s in Alabama too, with my new family! What an encouraging post – good words are rare these days. Thank you!
Just came back to this post again. Love the way you write and your kingdom heart.
Jesus, May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for sharing your “word” for the year. May God reveal what Kingdom living looks like over and over again!
oh friend. your heart beats to the same song as mine. heaven’s song. i hear you, completely. and i believe God will honor your cry. (my boys love angry birds too
)