ENLARGE

I started doing a thing this week.

It’s a “Pray A Word A Day” study published by Guideposts that I am finding really intriguing and helpful as I work to smooth out more of my (many) rough edges.  No matter how old we get, there are still things about our attitudes and behaviors that need adjusting. Scripture is chock full of advice and instructions for becoming a kinder, more patient, and loving person. One of the (many) things I love about the Bible is that it has so much to say about not just WHAT to be (kinder, loving, patient, self-controlled, etc), but HOW to do those things.

It’s hard for me to remember an entire passage of scripture as a daily focus unless the passage is right there in front of my face.

But one word per day?  I can handle one word. 

I was expecting to see words like “joy” or “patience” or “kindness” included.  Those words are probably in there somewhere, but so far, I haven’t come across any words-of-the-day that I was expecting to see.

Each day, a new word is presented along with a paragraph or two about the word. The text is usually a story that helps explain the intent of the author including that word, and a Bible verse or applicable quote about the word.

So what is today’s Word?

Today’s word is ENLARGE. 

I had to roll that word around in my head and on my tongue for a bit. It sounds like something negative and not something I want more of. Like being told you have an enlarged spleen or something. Not usually a good thing.

Enlarge.

What the heck am I supposed to pray about that I need to E N L A R G E? 

Certainly not my waistline – I don’t need extra focus on increasing that.  Or my ego.  Or my collection of cats.

Thankfully, an explanation was provided.

The idea of ENLARGE centers on asking God to enlarge my CAPACITY for something – like patience or kindness. Enlarge my ability to see what’s true.  Or enlarge my TERRITORY for showing others love, service, and kindness. 

Things like that.

I’d never considered ENLARGE this way before. I was intrigued. I may have cocked my head to the side like a dog does when he’s trying to figure you out.

The best way to learn something new is to put it into practice. And wouldn’t you know it, I had a conversation today where I found myself becoming a little offended and frustrated at what was being said.  The speaker went on and on, and all of a sudden I glanced to the stack of papers on my desk and saw my “Pray a Word a Day” printout sitting there with “ENLARGE” staring me in the face.  I chuckled at God’s ever-present sense of humor and interaction in my life, and immediately chose to take an emotional breath, and exhibit patience rather than annoyance.  Reminded myself that what was being said was that person’s opinion, they truly thought they were being helpful, and I didn’t have to take it personally and be offended. 

In that moment I silently asked God to ENLARGE my capacity for being kind, patient, and interactive with this person rather than becoming quiet and passive-aggressively offended, which is what I felt like doing. 

And He did.

I even smiled.

ENLARGE