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We are three-quarters of the way through the year. Christmas and the new year will be here before we know it. This means there are less than three months remaining for this year’s One Word. Less than three months for me to understand what the heck “Jubilee” means.
I didn’t want or choose that word; it chose me. And after reading about it and doing some research, I just knew “jubilee” meant music for me. And that’s how the year began. That’s how the first six months of this year played out — in lyrics and melodies and time in the studio.
But then it all stopped. Once again, roadblocks were put up, and it all came to a screeching halt. The last three months have been filled with overwhelming silence. For someone who lives and breathes music, I’ve been suffocating. I can barely stand to listen to music anymore — not because I don’t want to, but because it’s a reminder of what’s missing in my life. When alone in the car, I ride in silence for the first time in my life. When alone in my house, instead of music, I now hear outside sounds . . . birds chirping, dogs barking, cars passing.
I won’t stand in defiance and say I wasn’t wrong. Maybe “jubilee” doesn’t mean music for me. Maybe I read too much into it. Perhaps I was too hopeful.
Maybe it was supposed to mean restoration. Then again, that seems like a long shot too.
So here’s the thing: I’m going with what I first believed. Until I can identify that “jubilee” means something other than music for me, I’m done waiting for the roadblocks to come down. I’m tired of wasting time on trying to talk them down. I’m going off road and simply bypassing the roadblocks. It might be a rockier path, one I have to work harder to travel, but I’m pressing forward and turning up the music.
I’m not exactly sure what lies ahead. But I took a tiny, first step yesterday. And continuous, tiny steps eventually add up to distance. And there’s no better way to travel than turning up the music and singing along.
Did you have a One Word for this year? If so, what significance has it had in your life? If not, is there something that keeps showing up in your life that you need to pay attention to? What will you do with the remaining three months of this year?
Take a tiny step today, then another tomorrow. Let’s go on a journey together and finish this year with goals in mind. And don’t forget to turn up the music!
See all articles in 31 Days of Showing Up
Rebekah, I was just considering the implications of Jubilee this morning. Then I read your blog. Gave me chills. Love the imagery of going “off road.” Often the “road less travelled” is where the real adventure is…and often where grace is most experienced. Shalom, sister. Safe, and prosperous travels!
Garry, I’d love to have your thoughts on Jubilee.
So amusing to me that I ran across your #31 Days Of Showing up and now see your first day on Jubilee.
I was feeling that this year and my Jubilee were passing me by as well, but this is what I know: The word has followed me around and made me long to embrace it’s fullness in my life. People have randomly talked to me about Shofars (long story but I think you and I need one) Think marching around the walls of Jericho…..
Flying home from IF:Gathering this song; “Did you feel the Mountains Tremble.” by Matt Redman
A few lines here:
And here we see that God you’re moving.
A time of jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide you heavenly gates.
Prepare the way of the risen Lord.
Put it on repeat…. so much there about singing and raising our voices.
Your Jubilee journey and my Jubilee journey are not the same friend, but I think this song can be our anthem when we get weary.
Just last week I received an email from a precious mom, and her story was heavy and hard. I was wearing it around my house like a yoke when she sent me another short e-mail and it simply said…. “I don’t want you to be concerned for me. After all, this is the year of Jubilee.”
I wanted to run through the house screaming. Who says that?!?!
You keep singing Rebekah and I will keep dancing and the King of Glory is coming.
Rhonda, so glad to hear from you!
Oh, I know the feeling. The word follows me around, as well.
Funny that you included those lines, especially this one: “When young and old return to Jesus” I was literally just writing a post about how I feel like Jesus could be a friend, but God…not so much. My doubt is much stronger than my faith these days, and it’s hard to believe “A time of jubilee is coming.”
Ah, exactly! Who says that?! And who chooses “jubilee” as their One Word?? I’ll be quite interested to look back at the end of the year and see how “jubilee” played out for you and me.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!!
Forgive the longest comment ever….
Hey Rebehak! Just popped over from Liz’s blog after you commented there. I personally haven’t picked a particular word for the year, but at the very end of last year I took the plunge and finally started my blog. I wrote in fits and spurts in the beginning and then took a long, unplanned, hiatus when life got hectic, and just this past July, I think, I took the leap all over again and dove in head first and have written consistently since then. I’m doing the 31 Days challenge also and honestly, what’s driven me, is this *feeling*, this *call* even, to write – that I’m meant to do this, that it’s meant to be used to benefit others as I share my own story and message. It’s one of the scariest things I think I’ve done yet. Even as I’ve had times where I doubted myself and the so-called-feeling to this purpose, I’m pushing forward, just like you, stumbling through
Thank you for sharing your journey, challenges and all.
I’ve learned in 5 years of blogging that the time I spend writing is when I find out what’s really going on in me. I completely relate to the “call.” Enjoy the journey!