A word to carry with me as I move forward into 2012
hitherto |ˈhiðərˌtoō; ˌhiðərˈtoō|adverbuntil now or until the point in time under discussion
I love that this word is an adverb. It tells how I will move from 2011 into 2012. Hitherto implies looking back as one moves forward. It serves as a reminder of the past as one goes into the future. I'm not sure we can move forward if we are not able to carry with us lessons from the past.
In someways, it seems that my husband I have ended the past year at a somewhat tenuous point.He has not fully recovered from his recent heart procedure.We are having to implement new lifestyle changes.Each day presents its own new challenges.
Hitherto,we have met other challenges.We have faced these challenges together.
The journey is not done.Many miles have been covered in the past year.Mile markers have been reached,but the journey is not done.Thankfully, there are more miles of track to follow.
I love that this word is an adverb. It tells how I will move from 2011 into 2012. Hitherto implies looking back as one moves forward. It serves as a reminder of the past as one goes into the future. I'm not sure we can move forward if we are not able to carry with us lessons from the past.
In someways, it seems that my husband I have ended the past year at a somewhat tenuous point.He has not fully recovered from his recent heart procedure.We are having to implement new lifestyle changes.Each day presents its own new challenges.
Hitherto,we have met other challenges.We have faced these challenges together.
The journey is not done.Many miles have been covered in the past year.Mile markers have been reached,but the journey is not done.Thankfully, there are more miles of track to follow.
I am reminded of all the people who have been there to encourage me on my journey throughout my life.
I am reminded of all the great blessings that I have received throughout my life.
Today, I am especially reminded of that great passage of scripture in I Samuel 7:12when Samuel erected a stone and called it Ebenezer, meaning Stone of Help,and said, Hitherto the Lord has helped us.
And so, it has always been that way for me.Hitherto,thus far,the Lord has helped.
I have no doubt that He will continue to do soas I move forwardwith renewed hopeinto 2012.
Inspiration for this post came from the December 31 devotion from the classic devotional Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman.
I like this. I especially like that you note "The journey is not done." That is what it is all about .... accepting that we never reach the "destination" but keep the steps coming one after another.
ReplyDeleteThere is always something to reach for, isn't there? :)
You have found the ideal word for your journey this year.
ReplyDeleteIf you care to post it in a comment on my blog I would love that. I am collecting bloggers' words to guide them in 2012.
Have a blessed New Year with your husband.
Great word, Sally... That is LIFE ---we can move forward, but we cannot dismiss the past. Somehow ---we just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other --doing the best we can...
ReplyDeleteHappy 2012 to you and your family.
Hugs,
Betsy
beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOH . . . I LOVE THIS WORD! I must use it in a sentence tomorrow (and the next day, perhaps!) I think your description of looking back while looking forward is perfect, and I wish you much happiness and good health as you embark on 2012! Peace!
ReplyDeletehope your hubby recovers soon. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!
ReplyDeleteUsing the photo of the railroad tracks is perfect for this...looking back as one moves forward. Great pairing.
ReplyDeleteI pray that your husband continues to get better. I am thankful that you have friends who are encouragers, and I am above all thankful that you have the Lord and His Word to continue to sustain you. This is a lovely blog, Sally.
Ok this is my new favorite word! I love this post. It was perfect! I hope and pray Hubby feels better and is completely healed soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
Hope this word and meaning keeps you on track as you step into the future which is always exciting fo it is new and untried.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard that word in ages.
That was just a wonderful poem of reflection and promise.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that your hubby's heart procedure is behind you and that he is recovering, albeit slowly. It's a good word, fit for 2012.
ReplyDeleteI wish you strength and joy and all good things in the new year! :-)
I like that you ended with the line about moving forward with renewed hope.....I think we have to maintain that to keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your family in the new year.
Renewed hope. I like that.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and Happy New Year.
I don't think I've ever thought much about the word, "hitherto" prior to reading this beautiful post. It is such a fitting word, on so many different levels, as you so eloquently wrote.
ReplyDeleteI find myself looking back over my shoulder less often these days, and find that satisfying. Looking forward, moving forward, is what we are called to do.
I have my grandma's copy (falling apart, held together with a rubber band!) of the book you mentioned, and I'm going to get it out again.
Thank you for opening my heart and mind up this morning, and sending me forward into the new year, Sally.
Bless you!
Great post and an awesome word for me to remember.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
And henceforth may the tracks be clear and straight and smooth. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sally. I love that word - "hitherto"! Good post today. I really enjoyed it. As you say, the journey is not over and, hopefully, we have many more miles to go on this journey through life. I pray that 2012 will be kind to all of us, especially healthwise. Blessings to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult beginning a new year with challenges. But I like the fact that your post, and your chosen word, celebrate the fact that life is both full of challenges and full of help, hope, and strength. May we all find as much of the latter as we need to cope with the former.
ReplyDeleteHitherto - I will remember this word, and latch on to it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteClever use of a very underused word!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Sally. Please know that we are all with you on this journey. You are teaching us so much as you travel over those tracks of your life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful word and it makes perfect sense!
ReplyDelete