Yet

It’s a small word, but one with enormous power. Like so many, this small word can go unnoticed or ignored. That is, until someone uses it, and you think about things in a new way. That happened to me, recently, and now I want to make sure it becomes a regular part of my vocabulary. More important, I want it to become a regular part of my thinking.

Like many, I have fallen short of what I hoped to do and who I hoped to be. I’ve always bemoaned such shortcomings. Now, as life’s horizon draws closer, my regrets have increased. Fortunately, a friend showed me how to add a word of grace to my thoughts. Look how it changes the thoughts below:

I haven’t made much of a difference in the world, yet.

I haven’t found my purpose, yet.

I’m not a good (Fill in the blank), yet.

I don’t do enough for the poor or struggling, yet.

I don’t read, pray, or sit still regularly, yet.

I don’t give generously, yet.

I don’t exercise enough, yet.

I haven’t achieved what I hoped at work, yet.

I am not the kind of (mother/father/son/daughter/friend) I want to be, yet.

I’m not a very good follower of God’s will, yet.

One word transforms these sentences into declarations of faith. Now, each contains a deep-seeded hope, a reminder that our journey is not over. Our story is not written, it’s being written, and it’s all because of one little word.

I think I’ll try to use it more often.