I wasn’t going to do a word for the year this year, but then God just sort of dropped this in my lap and was like Yes you are.
The first way the word “Next” came to me was because I was wondering what this next chapter of our story would be. We have overcome many of the major life hurdles that we have encountered over the past 4 years. We found a house to rent. We had our 4th and final child. My husband completed school and got a job that is an actual career. I feel like we are entering a new season of life and are ready for the NEXT chapter.
Then the word came to me again in something that my Children’s pastor (from way back when) wrote in a comment that she left when I shared my birth story. She said how proud she was of my “determination to just do the next right thing”.
Just do the next right thing.
I had never heard of this quote before, but I have been mentally chewing on it ever since. It fits the scenario of my birth story so well because I had to focus on each thing, step by step. The baby was going to come so I acted on it. After that her head was out and I knew I needed to do one more push and get her body out. After that I knew I needed to wrap her up. After that put her on my chest. After that call the hospital and so on.
There was no planning it out. I was just doing the next right thing. It’s all I could do.
Since then baby Elle has been diagnosed with hearing loss and there is so much that we don’t know. Will she loose all her hearing? Will she have hearing aids? Will she need therapy? For how long? I can’t see the whole picture at all. No one can. It drives me crazy. What I can do is rely on God and just do the next right thing. So there is that word again. NEXT.
Lastly, I feel like the Lord has also prompted me to get help from those NEXT to me. When SJ was diagnosed we had just moved. All of my friends were far away in another state and it was tough. Here we are nearly four years later and I still have friends far away, but I have so many friends that are close by too. All of these women have been texting me, praying for me, and encouraging me. I need that more than anything! I need those neighbors, partners, allies to come along side me and walk NEXT to me as I go through this uncharted territory.
The next season of life. The next right thing. The people next to me.
NEXT.
I can’t wait to see what happensas I continue to unwrap the word and all that it holds for 2016.
Perfectly fitting word for your new year. I think this NEXT chapter is going to be an amazing one! Happy 2016 my friend!
Natalie, praying with you friend! I wish I could come sit and have coffee with you. I would simply listen and let you cry on my shoulder…if that is what you need or if you need to laugh, I would laugh with you. “The next right thing.” I like that. I think your next chapter is going to be full of so many blessings!
This is so great, Natalie! Just do the next right thing…that’s a great thought, although I often don’t know what the next right thing is!! I’ll link back here after I chew on that thought a little. My word for the year is “dare.” A little out-of-the-box for me but I shared on my blog. Here’s to you next!
“At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
that, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
like a low inspiration, ‘Do the next thing.’
Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, do the next thing.
Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
leave all resultings, do the next thing.
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
the light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Do the next thing.”
This poem has been quoted by Elisabeth Elliott so many times people think she wrote it but nay, she did not. This poem has helped millions of women “Just do the Next Thing.” Much love to you.
i love your word, especially considering your life stage. i have heard that quote often via Elisabeth Eliot who just recently passed away. When her first husband was martyred in Ecuador and she was left with a less than 1 year old daughter and 4 fellow widows, that was her piece of advice when asked over the years. She ended up writing many books, raised that daughter Valerie Shepherd, outlived a second husband and married a third. she was a wise, humble woman of GOD.
you will be in my prayers re your new daughter’s hearing problems. it is good to know GOD will be guiding you now just as He did in the past. blessings this new year:)
That’s a great word! I’ve been thinking a lot over the past couple of weeks about a book we read last year as a staff. It’s called “What’s Best Next”. It’s basically about gospel-centered productivity. I’ve been wanting to re-read it and apply things that I didn’t apply last time I read it. I am currently loaning it to a friend, but I think I’ll read it again when he gives it back!
Just do the next thing is a quote that came from Elizabeth Elliott, the wife of Jim Elliott (End of the Spear) the missionary killed by the Auca Indians (think I got that part right.) I lover that woman’s no nonsense approach to things. If you haven’t read any of her books, you should.
Thank you so much for that background info Sally! I have heard of the book and I am definitely familiar with the missionary. I think I will have to read that next. This is great. The quote and word have proved to be so critical for me so far this year.