Weren't Our Hearts Burning Within Us?
Every year along about Thanksgiving I start reading through my journals from the year. I journal more days than not, so it takes me a few weeks to go through all the entries. It’s my way of reflecting on the highs and lows and taking notice of all that’s good and lovely. It’s also the prelude to choosing my focus for the coming year.
Like a lot of people, I’ve picked up the habit of choosing a word for the year. In fact my entire family (along with a couple of adopted family members) has picked up this habit and it’s become one of our most treasured traditions to gather for the unveiling of our words.
This year’s reveal was postponed a couple of weeks – thank you COVID – but was that much sweeter for the wait. With full, happy bellies from Darron’s slow-cooked BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and warm sourdough bread (plus the giant veggie tray from the couple who forgot to mention they’re doing the Daniel fast), we piled in the living room on couches and pillows with our journals and our anticipation.
We always start with Kodak moments. It’s our time to recall and relive the high points. A sort of boundary stone marking the passing of one year into the next. Without this, the days and months blend together, the years pass and the most awe-inspiring moments may get lost in the dust.
This leads to a time where each of us shares our word, our goals and dreams, and some specific action steps. It’s not something we take lightly. We’ve spent considerable time praying and digging deep, seeking to align our hearts with His.
I have to say I LOVE hearing everyone’s word and the path that led to choosing that one particular word that represents their hopes for a new year. The words hold richness and meaning within them … grow, multiply, cultivate, radiate, refresh, steady, stay the course. I can’t help but feel my heart bursting with love for each of them as they share so transparently.
And my word … torchbearer …takes on a deeper meaning as I recognize the light of Christ in each one, but it becomes evident that His light burning brightly in one looks different from His light burning brightly in another. This group is a mix of personalities and talents, gifted as musicians, storytellers, teachers, mentors, event planners, designers, artists and writers. Each of them shines in all the uniqueness and loveliness of a person created in the image of our God.
There’s a moment in The Chosen Christmas special where the members of the Bonner Family are pouring out their voices in a breath-taking performance of O Holy Night. This is a large family of incredibly gifted singers who step forth one at a time, each offering a solo that would make angels weep. The aging parents are standing in the middle of the back row, singing along but the father is smiling so big he can barely get his words out. He is beaming. Do you hear this? These are MY kids. Singing for the Savior. This is a proud father moment at its finest.
Light points the way. It warms our souls and takes away the chill of fear and confusion.
I want this from my heavenly Father. Don’t you? To see His radiant, ear-to-ear smile as we step forth in this life with our torches on fire for Him. Do you see her? That’s MY daughter. He’s MY son.
Here’s the thing. We have to come close enough to the Source to let Him ignite our torch with His. And when we come close and stay close, that flame burns so bright it has no choice but to spread, to ignite others’ torches, and when we take this Light into the world around us, we can light up the dark.
Light points the way. It warms our souls and takes away the chill of fear and confusion. Just as people love to gather close around a bonfire on a cold night, when we step into our calling as Torchbearers for the one true King, we draw people in. It’s infectious.
On Christmas night Ann Voskamp’s post said it all. “This day, this night, the Light comes, and whose heart isn’t kindled by this love that’s a wildfire? … A heart like this could catch the world on fire.”
Let’s catch the world on fire. What do you say?
