2013 - The Year of Belonging

It's taken so long to rekindle my longing,
But now that has come to be,
For my joy is made complete in belonging,
Praise God, that I can see.

***

A NEW YEAR'S REDIRECTION

We are all somewhat challenged entering a new year, as we reflect over what has been and what, in fact, might be. Even the most hardened of people will find some significance in a new year, as an opportunity for re-grounding life.

My past five years has been a joy in the writing. I have loved writing every word, editing, playing with nuances of meaning, seeking God in giving me more. The more I prayed for more of God's words, the more he gave me. At times I couldn't keep up. Some days I would have ideas for 20 articles. But in the recent few months I have had few and fewer fresh ideas given to me as I sensed God redirecting my ministry focus. A year ago I would have been worried. But for this season I know God is freeing me of the burden of writing prolifically, not that I want to slow down.

I have sensed a movement within my heart from an introverted desire in the mining for words to, recently, over the past six months, an extroverted longing to be connected with other people in real ways, and particularly other men. There has been a renaissance within my soul. I have faced my fears (again).

Entering 2013 is bright with hope, for I do not know, just yet, the intricate details that this New Year holds for me and my family. But there is a sense of unbridled joyous excitement I can hardly contain.

There is an insurgence within my heart to belong. And I do feel there is a place I now belong. My passion, this year, is to extract every nuance of meaning out of the concept of belonging; for myself, for others I care about, and for others I will care about who I may not even have met yet.

This New Year is bright with hope, for the desire to connect spiritual growth toward fulfilment and the transformation of lives - that more and more, people in my circle of influence might say "yes" to Jesus. This just must happen in community. Small groups and mentoring groups and groups just journeying together; serving with one another; and attending to one another's needs without thought for self: this is my purpose.

It begins in 2013. And within my heart, given what I know now, I'm not sure if there is a better calling. I'm so grateful to God that this concept - belonging, and helping others belong - stirs my heart so much. I can live on this passion. And God will multiply this!

***

It's taken so long to rekindle my longing,
But now that has come to be,
For my joy is made complete in belonging,
Praise God, that I can see.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.