YET

My 2022 word of the year is YET.

It’s cute and concise but quite potent. Added to the end of a thought it can completely alter the statement or thought.

I often struggle to stay hopeful. Seems like some things will never change. (While other things seem to be in a state of constant flux.)

I can feel locked into a fixed and static mindset, “this is just the way it is.” Just accept it.

It takes discernment to know what things to accept and what things need change.

If I picture life as a journey. Not like a snapshot—frozen like that forever. Set. Fixed. And unchanging.

But open. Adjusting. Adapting. Growing. That changes me.

By inviting “yet” to be a regular feature in my thoughts and vocabulary I can be transformed.

For example:

“I have not mastered this…yet.”

“This thing hasn’t changed...yet.”

“I haven’t recovered…yet.”

“This relationship isn’t healed…yet.”

“My heart hasn’t mended…yet.”

“I don’t know what to do…yet.”

“I’m not sure what the right choice is…yet.”

This openness leaves room growth, change, and transformation.

AND, perhaps more importantly, it leaves room for the work and power of the Holy Spirit operating in me and in the world around me. That ignites HOPE. Which is what lies underneath YET for me.

Hope can be the spark for thinking something good may happen.

“Hope”: noun --confidence, expectation, optimism, anticipation, courage, hopefulness, faith, chance, prospect, likelihood.

As Tim Keller says, “HOPE is confident expectation of a guaranteed result that changes the way you live. Hope is CONFIDENT because it is based on the awesome power, love, faithfulness, grace, patience and wisdom of God. Hope gives an EXPECTATION OF GUARANTEED RESULT which does not rest on my understanding but God’s goodness and rule. Hope CHANGES THE WAY YOU LIVE so you can live with confidence and courage that you would not otherwise have.

For those of us who can tend toward striving for perfection, “yet” opens up the idea that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing (versus “If you’re going to do something, do it right or don’t do it at all.”)

Here’s to hope. Here’s to giving it a try. Even if I might not get it perfectly right…yet.

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

What is your word for 2022?

You are welcome to borrow mine.

Happy New Year!

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