Star Words

The Gift of a Star Word

(Adapted from Susan Foster)

A Star Word is simply a word written on a piece of paper - a word on which to reflect in the coming year.

Here are some to choose from:

community. wisdom. mercy. faith. wonder. rest. joy. confidence. perseverance. connection. discipline. generosity. peace. responsibility. love. trustworthiness

You are invited to ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message.

The Magi followed the Star, which was a gift from God that led them to The Gift from God, the Christ-Child. It was then that they offered their gifts in response. Each of us can allow our Star word to become a sign of God’s presence. We can become curious seekers…

 Some people start by looking the word up in the dictionary so that they are clear on its meaning. We hear words like “trust” all the time, but what exactly does the word mean? A word that seemed unclear to you at the beginning may gain new meaning as the year goes on.

 Often the word seems very timely, as if they were indeed designated for you, the recipient. Other times the word can make us wonder what meaning it could have in our lives. It is this sense of serendipity and wondering how God might be working through this simple process that keeps us engaged and connects us with God and with others on this journey.

Throughout the year, you are encouraged to share some thoughts with each other about your Star word gift - and to reflect on God, who continually encourages and strengthens God’s people. Perhaps that is the delight of star gifts - they truly are a gift that keeps on giving, even long after the Epiphany season is over.

As with any other gift,  people need to be intentional about their response to their star gift. Will the paper be stuffed into a pocket or jammed into the bottom of a purse, never to be considered again? Or will that word be considered an opportunity - a chance to reflect on how God speaks to God’s people? What might we learn from one word? What new ideas might evolve, what treasured wisdom might resurface? How will it help you and others to grow and let go?

Blessings on the journey!  Rev. Jan