It started as a novelty, it became a habit that strengthened my peace
Twelve pictures of one tree; I thought it would be just an exercise in discipline, aesthetics, and resetting the month. It became so much more - a place of expectation and strength.
At the beginning of January, I took time off of social media, and restricted some other luxuries, to seek God for the year ahead. If I'm honest, I found it a true challenge. Restricting such luxuries pulled on my dopamine and coupled with a lack of contact due to the lockdown restriction, I struggled to not give in. I sought God, he spoke, but nothing seemingly profound happened. There were a few subjects the I was specifically praying on, and though no fireworks came, the time was well spent - and I will treasure it.
As part of my fast in January, I prayed around the word STRONG, this was my word of the year but it hadn't settled well with me. I also felt confused because every time I thought about the work, the picture attached to it was of a tree.
I realised, strong didn't have to be a cold word; strong was like a tree, rooted, yet growing, moving in the wind, open and ready to invite people in. I prayed about strengthening my giftings, my joys, my faith, me.
Walking to the tree was meant to be a novelty, a reminder, yet God began to clearly speak to me on these walks. I became expectant, and so I made time to listen. Over the last year, it has been a place that has strengthened my peace and strengthened me. Much has changed over the last year - I look at my 21 for 21 list, and it feels like an age ago. Many have not taken place because of the changes. A year ago, I would scroll on Rightmove as a dream. Soon, I hope, I will be moving to a new home, a home I passed many times on this walk, not even considering it to be mine. Yet, that is a story for another time. For now, there are 12 tree pictures, 12 walks, and 12 stories! I wonder what 2022 will hold!
Do you have any monthly rituals? Have you had a word for 2021? What do you see in my tree pictures? I'd love to hear from you!
- L
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