My word of the year, 2023, is present and I have not limited it in meaning, so both ‘now’ and ‘gift’ are the synonyms I’ve been embracing this year. Last month, I was visiting family and chose to remain ‘in the now’ with them. I chose to practice the word and therefore neglected to talk about the word.

Lisa Notes has encouraged a group who are following One Word to spend time pondering our word through poetry. Now, I may be a writer but after attempting these poems, I am not a poet! I’m okay with that. But I will share these anyway with you.

PRESENT

Emmanuel, God with us in joy and sorrow

Present, the very essence of my Lord

The I Am – yesterday, today and tomorrow

Truly, I am what his heart adored

He adores me still, his love will never abate

Present, the very essence of Adonai

The Potter forms me now, as we cooperate

Truly I remain in his heart on high

PRESENTS

His presents

Perfect me, and

Renew me.

Eternal life, he offers me.

Security, he extends to me.

Exultation fills me.

Nissi, my banner of hope, leads me. And,

Trust he gives me.

What is your word this year? Or what is our Lord speaking to you of?