My Portion for 2017

Eversince I embarked on My One Word : Anchor in 2015, my eldest has not failed to ask me each year, what was my One word. That’s how 2016’s Cultivate emerged. I was not surprised when he faithfully enquired on my 2017 word a few weeks ago. I looked at him blankly (again) and said I have not thought about next year yet!

Then he told me his One Word was Down. With his hands doing a tai-chi move pushing all the ‘qi’ or force downwards, he breathed his explanation, ‘For me to remember to keep all my anger down……’

With bubbling emotions I gave him an – I’m impressed and so you’re gonna work on that word ya? look. Interestingly, I guess he came up with that word after memorising James 1:19-20,  ¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. He picked out these verses after I asked him to read through that chapter for losing his temper.

That my friends, encouraged me to think hard and pray during the trip on what would be in store for me next year.

As i reflected over the year’s challenges and blessings, I knew there were several areas to look into. I threw my words out – Relax, stay grounded, humility, gentleness, slow down, balance, encourage more, self control, be more attentive to God, others, selfcare and prioritising. It was the last leg of my trip. During the retreat with the Young Adults’ camp where we were helping out, Psalm 16 impressed my heart.

The speaker shared on how we have been given a portion and our lines have fallen on lovely boundaries. Whatever that we are lacking, the Lord will fill it up. We just need to be that portion the Lord has laid out for us. We do have a lovely inheritance from Him in Christ. As I meditated on it, Ps 16:5 and 6 stood out.

5 耶 和 华 是 我 的 产 业 ， 是 我 杯 中 的 分 。 我 所 得 的 你 为 我 持 守 。6 用 绳 量 给 我 的 地 界 ， 坐 落 在 佳 美 之 处 。 我 的 产 业 实 在 美 好 。

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
    you make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Everything just fell into place.

PORTION. 分

With Jesus as my Portion and my cup, I can confidently relax and be content to do what is apoortioned to me as well. He has given me a certain cup to bear. I only need to let Him fill me up and fulfil the cup I have been assigned. Knowing what my lot is, I should keep to the portion I am made to receive. I will learn to prioritise my time and energy on the important. Knowing my lot is secure, I can be humble and grounded. When I work within my boundaries, I can relax and slow down. With less on my plate, I can chew slower and become more gentle without the stress of making everything ‘work’ or have everything under control. My boy and I have put up our One Word as a constant reminder for our living.

As Christmas draws near, this year we do not have a party nor did we put up our Christmas tree. Many things have happened and we want to take a step back to enjoy a quieter season.

Jesus has been sent to bear the cup of suffering so that we can have HIM as our Portion and Our Cup.

Have you received Him? If not, Will you receive Him?

If you have, What is Your Portion?

 

May You and your loved ones have a meaningful and blessed Christmas!

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