jinsei
As we begin yet another linear year, I am again reminded of new beginnings. The old slowly seeps out of yesteryear and leaks its days of years gone by into the past; making way for something different. We are never sure of what tomorrow brings but we do have the hope that it will always be better than what we have gone through. For some, that is greater than others.
Years ago, a friend got me started on a new concept. At the beginning of each year, we would choose, or have a word chosen, for the upcoming year. There are various sites that can guide you. I use Dayspring - Word of the Year to generate mine. https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz
The Japanese have a word: Jinsei, which literally means both everyday life and a lifetime. As I live each day, I take that word of the year and apply it to my life - I see it in word and action, ponder what it means and say it aloud. It is manifested in many forms and as I reflect back over the year, I see where it was evident in my everydays and as part of my life.
God too gives us a lifetime of words to read, stories to remember, verses to memorize, praises to sing, parables to learn from and multiple passages and chapters to reflect on in the bible. Daily bible verses are a source of hope, comfort when we are confused or afflicted and can inspiration and support us through uncertain days. There are verses that help us to sing, rejoice and be glad in the Lord!
We should be starting our day in the Word and building a foundation for our future. Finding a “read through the bible in a year” or reading and sharing a devotion, a podcast, a sermon are all ways that can enrich our days. Are you ready to start the year off with His Word on your lips, a song in your heart and scripture on your mind?
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11: 18-20