Little words hold power.
I should know this by this point in my life, but I still am discovering often it is the simple, seemingly unimportant words that deepen our understanding and light our way. Minor words we don’t fully see that connect thoughts and sooth our souls. They exist and add to our lives but we don’t value or savor them.
I see this wonder every year with my practice of adopting and exploring a word of the year. Two years ago my word was “Go’ and last year I walked with “all.” Two unassuming words offering me wisdom and insights.
This year instead of one word, God led me to a phrase. “Honor the thirst deep within.” The obvious power words to study and explore in this sentence is “honor”, “thirst” and “deep” and I have learned from analyzing and pondering those words.
Yet on retreat this year that tiny almost tacked-on word at the end of my phrase “within” sprang into my spirit and shared its story. To be honest I hadn’t paid attention to its presence but “within” glowed like a neon light.
With – God reminded me they are even with me. I am not abandoned. I am not alone. Someone does care and stays with me. God is near. Alongside. On retreat the invitation came and remains, “Come and stay.” With adds dimension and depth to the power words in my phrase.
In – God lives deep in me. God’s DNA swirls with mine. I am held in a divine embrace that will never let me go. This sacred center glows with the heat of the Holy Spirit and warms my heart. God’s light shines so I can reflect that light to others. I cannot evoke the flame but I can tend the fire through stillness, prayer and presence.
God with me. God in me. Intensifying my thirst, how I honor, and the depth of my spiritual journey.
Are any little words impacted your soul lately?
Any new insights to what words are whirling around you?
Wow!!!
I love the depth in your phrase! I can only imagine where God will lead you in the coming months!
#8 this month
Thanks Barb!!
I immediately thought of your word GO when I saw your title, Jean! 🙂 Yes, it is amazing how even small words can pack such big punches. It also makes me think of one-name musicians who are big stars (I’ll date myself if I start naming names, ha).
Thanks for thinking of me. Isn’t it amazing how these little words are full of wisdom?
I was just taken by your thoughts, Jean, on the word “in!” I had to read that paragraph twice. How incredible to realize God’s DNA swirls with ours! In addition We’re each held in a divine embrace that will never let us go. “My” embrace has lasted more than seven decades so far. And my heart overflows with gratitude to contemplate the countless expressions of his loving care. Thank you, Jean, for sharing your reflections, that encourages our spiritual journeys as well!
You are an encouragement to me too, Nancy. Have a wonderful weekend!!
What a powerful and life-changing revelation you had here, Jean! I will be more mindful (my word for the year) going forward to pay attention to the little words that beg my attention.
Blessings!
This word of the year practice has been so life giving to me over the years. Amazing the impact of the simple easy words have when you hold and behold them.
thank you jean…without the little words ..the bigger words are meaningless…”linger with me” are my current words from the Lord..linger by itself means nothing to me…”with me”…its everything…
btw…i signed up for a class thru the spirituality and practice that you mentioned in last weeks blog…doin the practicing spirituality during illness class…day 2 out of 40 today..
peace
love the words, linger with me – so lovely!! I hope that class helps you. I have really enjoyed their material so far.