“Closings” by Katie Wilson
As 2020 begins, it may seem a little weird to kick it off with a January post entitled “Closings.” However, without closings we would never have new beginnings; therefore, they go hand in hand. I’m asking Holy Spirit to give us new eyes primed to see the multifaceted Kingdom colors only “closings” can uncover.
When I think of the word “closings”, my inner-child immediately thinks of school closings on a snowy-day but Merriam Webster, not so inner-child driven, has a few different definitions. I’ve chosen two for this post:
- a concluding part
- a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title
Before I move on to the “grown-up” definitions of “closings”, I must let “childlike” me have her say! Snowy-day school closings are one of my favorite things, like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… you get the point. These closings actually open the door to adventure, rest, creativity, conversation, cookies, and hot chocolate, just to name a few. Teachers get a day off, kids get to be kids, and people slow down with an opportunity to be where their feet are. The to-do lists halt and we all get a choice. Will this closing open the wardrobe to Narnia or will we allow this closing to open a can of worms? Will we get out the literal or proverbial sled and go dashing through the snow or will we get stuck in our heads over what could’ve, should’ve or would’ve been?
Although a snowy-day school closing may be dressed in gray and white, I believe God gives us an opportunity to see through Kingdom eyes if we choose. Maybe that gray and white is just a thin veil between us and the Kingdom colors of the Northern lights?
Where in our lives do we only see gray?
Do we believe that God has an aurora borealis of color just waiting for us to open the eyes of our hearts to?
I am asking God in 2020 to give us 20/20 Kingdom, technicolor vision that is Heaven-bent on seeking and finding Him. Will you join me?
Although the “grown-up” definitions may not seem quite as magical, they too are multifaceted and we get a choice on how we see them.
Merriam Webster’s definitions:
1. Closing – a concluding part
For years I signed all of my emails and texts with “Go God”; until one day the enemy got a little toe in my “GO.” Someone made a sarcastic comment about my fluffy closing. What used to be the overflow of my genuine excitement and joy over the God who knew me and loved me anyway, all of a sudden seemed silly. I decided to start closing all of my emails and texts with “Peace and Prayers, Katie.” By the way, I really like that closing. It is simple, true to what I hope for myself and others, and mature; however, if you know me, I am not really that restrained. I cry and laugh all-out and I am all-in whatever I am in. If I had to find a movie character that represents my inner-being, it would have to be Buddy the Elf, from the movie “Elf.” I want to scream “I LOVE YOU AND I DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS IT” 24/7 and I am probably painfully unaware when others see me as a spaz or worse. Can anyone relate?
Has there been any authentic part of who God divinely designed you to be that you have silenced?
Have you changed your signature “closing” to be more palatable?
May we step into 2020 confidently leaving beauty marks in our wake that leave our unique “closing” everywhere we go, a “closing” signature that points to the Master Craftsman Who made us this way. And if the world has a problem with that, may they take it up with HIM! He’s the One we want to point to anyway.
Go God!!!
2. Closing – a meeting of parties to a real-estate deal for formally transferring title
This second definition is actually the one that prompted the writing of this post in the first place. Just this week, we sold our family home of almost 19 years. Closing day was bittersweet as I handed over the keys to holy ground for me and my family. Closing day consisted of signing countless documents full of big words, small type, formal handshakes, warm hugs, memories shared, the baton passed, transferring title, transitioning life, new beginnings with new owners, and closings for those leaving a legacy of love. I sat at a table for a transaction but if the walls of our home could talk, this would be the translation:
Say “I love you” way too much,
Hug therapy is the gift of touch.
Worship, pray, seek God first,
Remember God loves you even at your worst.
Laugh out loud,
And never hold back tears.
Never stop becoming,
For all your given years.
Learn a language; paint and write.
Always kiss your family good night.
Study, rest, talk and play.
Carpe diem; Seize the day.
Be slow to anger and slow to talk.
Listen more and go on walks.
Hold hands, cook and clean.
Be humble and kind, never mean.
Welcome people, dogs and cats.
Leave a light on and a key under the mat.
Mow the yard and use the grill.
Learn the art of being still.
Call your parents; write some notes.
Take an umbrella; wear your coat.
The Bible is a Person; Jesus is your friend.
Every new beginning makes you thankful for an end!
Fill the rooms you have; however, you may choose.
Celebrate your wins.
Learn when you lose.
Savor the present with hope as your guide.
Don’t miss the moments trying to get to the other side.
Openings are good; they let air in.
Closings are too; we end and you begin!
WELCOME HOME!
My heart is both full and empty as I write these words. I want to spill every ounce out of me onto the page that can possibly give substance to the texture and tune of closings. We are all leaving a mark behind. The question is whether or not we are leaving beauty marks or scars?
My guess is that none of us want to be the scar marker; do we?
In light of that, regardless of the path we have taken thus far, we have a choice from this moment forward.
The next time there’s a closing, let’s go dashing through the snow.
When closing out a text, email or conversation, may we use the signature God uniquely gave us. And when closing on a house, whether moving in or out, may we aim to leave a legacy of love for all the world to see!
JESUS IS ABOVE ALL!
CLOSING WITH HIM!
~ Written by Katie Wilson ~
Katie was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where a loving family and the River City watered her roots. Hutchison, an all-girl school, taught her sisterhood and the importance of education. Second Presbyterian Church planted seeds of Christian faith, that are reaping a harvest to this day. Katie attended Vanderbilt University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a Fine Arts minor. In 1993 Katie married her college sweetheart and was Huntsville bound, adding early childhood and elementary education to her academic credentials at UAH. 20+ years and 3 children later, Katie is writing, painting, mentoring and speaking as a “hope-offerer”, locally and internationally, in Brazil, Kenya, Uganda, and Costa Rica, thus far. Grounded in her faith, Katie seeks to be an active participant in loving the world well. She hopes to be an instrument of light, celebrating diversity but not division and promoting peace, without forfeiting truth. Katie aims to leave a conspiracy of kindness in her wake, a legacy of love that flavors today and seasons the generations to come. Connect with Katie on her blog at Psalm8110.
One Comment
Life is full of closings but in Christ the life closing goes on into eternity. I am so proud to be Katie’s Mom in law. She is truly a gift from God to our family!