Star Word 2020: Sure

My favorite day of the year at church is the day we choose our Star Words for the new year. We celebrate Epiphany — the commemoration of the visit of the Magi to the Christ child — by discovering and following our own stars. As we walk up the center aisle to take communion, we choose from dozens of cut-out paper stars, that lie face down on a table. We like to say that the words choose us as much as we choose the words. In past years, my words have intrigued me, inspired me and even scared me.

This year, my Star Word is “sure.” When I returned to my seat and read my word this morning, I immediately found it empowering and challenging. Like many of my fellow worshipers, I grabbed my phone and did a little research.

Here’s what Merriam Webster has to say:

Sure — 1) marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty
             2) characterized by a lack of wavering or hesitation

Hmm. This seems to speak to my tendency toward indecisiveness. At times, I take forever to make a decision. Maybe a nudge toward more readily stepping out in faith?

I like these related words: assured, positive, certain, confident.

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” 2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV)

“Sure” feels like a confirmation as I go through a period of discernment. This fall, I stepped out of my comfort zone and taught an adult Sunday school class. I took my novice vows with the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. I was nominated to be a deacon at church. And I’m sensing a tug toward deeper ministry.

“Sure” feels like a prompting, a what-are-you-waiting-for call. Time to focus on that inner work. A renewed commitment to 12-step work, spiritual practices, prayer.  

One thing I’m sure of is my admiration for the ministry of Compassion International.

The holiday season has come and gone, but you can still make a child’s day very special through Compassion International. You can sponsor a child for $38 a month. There are also many ways you can help children with a one-time donation, including critical needs, disaster relief and the unsponsored children’s fund. 

What word has chosen you this year? I pray that you experience a year of unexpected joys and a neverending sense of God’s presence!

Evidence of Things Not Seen

It’s snowing. Again. In January we thought we had skipped winter as we enjoyed sunny, 50-degree days. As the sun rose higher and daylight hours increased, the first buds emerged on our fruit trees. But less than a month before spring, it’s a different story. Most of February has been snowy, cold and gray. It certainly doesn’t look like spring is just around the corner.

I have to remind myself that cold weather is a necessity for fruit trees, and that deep roots store nourishment and keep plants going under all that snow. 

It’s like that with so many things that we hope for, isn’t it? Whether it's spring, improved health, or reconciliation with an estranged friend, we hope for and look forward to things we cannot see.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

We know that God is faithful.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

I hope that this blog can be a place of refreshment and remembrance of God's faithfulness. Let's look closely and recognize the hope and joy that we have while we wait. Like those apple tree buds that stay in spite of a late snow.

Or the pint-size snowman I built for our dog today.

As simple as the first sips of coffee in the morning. 

Hope you'll visit and comment often!