I ended the year with a colonoscopy. It was not exactly the plan, but insurance expedited the schedule to fit it in before year’s end. And as my fingers tap the keyboard now, I wonder if it wasn’t perfect timing as the grand finale event of this past year. Maybe, just maybe, I needed to do some clearing out, leaving some crap behind. (Sorry, but that’s better than the other words).
You see, I had lots and lots of time to think during my many late-night trips to the lavatory. And even more time as I lingered there. My thoughts rumbled, matching the chaos in my colon, as I reminisced on the past year – the good, bad, and especially the ugly. What continued to resurface was the word “reveal.” It was a year when God revealed many things I needed to see in myself, others, and the world around me. Revealing times can be difficult as they often surface during difficulties, but they can also give us new eyes and insight that helps us on our journey.
So, as I sat on the pot and marveled at all these revelations, the next thought was, “Well, what are you going to do about it, Julie?” As I paused to flush, I realized I needed more than a physical clearing out. In short, I needed the colonoscopy prep to manifest throughout my entire being. It was time to clear it ALL out!
And so that’s what I’m doing. It’s not going to happen overnight but only through a prayerful and intentional effort to clear away what I need to leave behind. It comes in the form of too much stuff, unhealthy relationships, overbooked schedules, unrealistic expectations, etc. As the clearing process continues, I will wait expectantly to see what new and exciting adventures open up. Resolutions not needed; I know exactly what I need to do. The list has been the same for years.
Might now be the time for your full-body colonoscopy? What crap may you need to leave behind as you begin 2023?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)
P.S. My colon was clean as a whistle (real picture above). And, for the prep I HIGHLY recommend the new pills – not that nasty drink.