Becoming More by Being Less

Empty. Can that really be my word for 2014? 
While I want rest, peace, trust, simplicity, etc., it is more than that. I simply want what God has for me. For Him to fill me with His presence and purpose. And, to truly be ready for that, I must be empty.

10. GREEN ADIRONDACK CHAIRS

I just finished reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. I asked and received it for Christmas. Why? There was something in me that knew I needed to read it, although I'd never read any of her work before, nor was I a follower of hers. What I didn't know was how much I needed it or how her words would speak to me.

14. WALKING UNDER THE PIER

In her book, Ann shares her journey of practicing thankfulness, of counting blessings, into the thousands. I was impressed with this practice and began my own list almost immediately. However, it was when I got to chapters eight and nine that I couldn't stop reading. When she began talking about her anxiety, panic, and fear. Describing it as a closed fist, attempting to gain control of the world and our circumstances.

Fear keeps a life small. (p 145)

Stress can be an addiction and worry can be our lunge for control and we forget the

 answer to this moment is always yes because of Christ. (p 160)

Last fall, I wrote about experiencing something new in prayer while attending a women's retreat. The simple act of opening our hands to God when praying, instead of keeping them closed and folded. This image and the lesson surrounding it overwhelmed me as I read chapters 8 & 9.

Opening the hand to receive the moments. Trusting what is received to be grace. (p 158)

However, it was more than just open hands. It was the concept of emptying myself. Of removing all of my own preferences, desires and perceptions. Letting them go. 

6. ANGRY BIRD WATCH ON A LITTLE BOY'S WRIST

The open hand. It's not simply a way to invite God in, but to release myself, so that He can fill me up.

My own wild desire to protect my joy at all costs is the exact force that kills my joy...

Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control...let go of my own way, let go of my own fears. 

Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire. Leave the hand open and be...

I can empty because I am full of his love. I can trust. I can let go. (pgs 178, 179)

This year, I want to be empty of me, yet filled with Him. I want my life to be big. I want to rid myself of fear, by letting His perfect love replace it. I want to count my blessings and live fully. Yet...

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 

John 3:30 (NLT)

Can't wait to see what God has planned for me in 2014!