The Unspoken Promise vs. The Spoken One

Believe, Faith, Grace, writing 1 Minute

Back in January, as other people made resolutions, I told myself I would write one blog post per week, an unspoken promise of sorts. I never told anyone until now or recorded that thought anywhere. It was just one of the many conversations I have with myself.

Instead, I issued myself a proclamation in a single word—GRACE. Sometimes life comes at you in heavy ways. Not everything must be written or even discussed. Some problems take time. The intensity of other difficulties interferes with the inevitable daily good. And while I’ve shed some recent tears, I remind myself that flowers don’t bloom every day. I remind myself of the ancient wisdom: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Good, right?

Somehow, I’ve pulled off that weekly post. Sometimes, it’s about sitting at your computer and just doing it. Sometimes, it’s about having enough GRACE for yourself to move forward differently than planned.

Chagall’s The Ukrainian Family, circa WWII, Prayers for Ukraine and Peace.

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

46 thoughts on “The Unspoken Promise vs. The Spoken One”

  2. Life indeed gets “heavy” at times. I agree, Crystal. My principal often says—to us teachers who want immediate resolutions— “I can’t always fix something in five minutes that took five weeks to develop.” I love the scripture from Ecclesiastes. I’m tapping over now to listen to the song by The Byrds that is based on these words. “Turn” was written by Pete Seger. What a musician and poet he was! Have a blessed weekend.

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    1. How many times have I heard that song? And how many time have I heard that verse? I never made the connection. Thank you for sharing, David! I might have to update this post with the audio. Wishing you well!

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  3. From my beautiful daughter, Elizabeth, I’ve learned not to make “resolutions” but to focus on one “word of the year.” One year it was Grace. This year? Focus.

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    1. My first word of the year. 2018–hope. 2019–believe. (Don’t just hope, but believe.) 2020–two words—honesty and courage. 2021–progress. Each year, I remember these words and carry them forward.

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  5. Wow. I am so glad that I read your post this afternoon. I commit to myself to post on my blog, weekly, as well, and holding that commitment, more to myself than any of my followers (though I am grateful for you!) is a challenge. But when I post and see all those blogs, week after week, all my hard work… it feels wonderful.

    We are writers, after all!

    And oh, the Ecclesiastes passage! It’s been a while. Thank you.

    Lastly, Glory to Ukraine!

    Take care.

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  6. Crystal, I made that same promise to myself when I began blogging~once a week. Grace, yes, grace! I’ve shed tears with you and understand. I love the passage from Ecclesiastes. The painting is absolutely beautiful. My prayers are with them. 💛 🇺🇦 ❤️

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  9. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!.. I just follow my heart, rarely go wrong… and when my mind starts a “to do” list” my heart jumps in with some words from Rose Miligan;
    Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
    to paint a picture, or write a letter,
    bake a cake, or plant a seed.
    Ponder the difference between want and need.

    Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
    with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
    Music to hear, and books to read,
    friends to cherish and life to lead.

    Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
    with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
    a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
    this day will not come round again.

    Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
    old age will come and it’s not kind.
    And when you go, and go you must,
    you, yourself, will make more dust!
    (Rose Milligan)

    Besides, you need to take the time to gather adventures and memories to share with the rest of us… 🙂

    Until we meet again..
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

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  10. That’s a good idea, Crystal, selecting a new word to be each year’s theme, and striving toward it. This has so much more heft than does a traditional resolution, which, despite all the good intentions in the world, is usually gone and forgotten by Valentine’s Day.

    Perhaps that’s the secret. Rather than calling up a resolution, which by definition has a narrow focus, instead each year is provided a new emphasis. While we may not live up to theme at all times, it’s all part of a constant, ongoing effort. Unlike a resolution, which is just one “failure” away from oblivion.

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      1. Maybe not, but you do know which ones have promise and you make them your own. Then, ever the teacher, you share your experiences with the world. No matter where they first surfaced, you make the concepts all Crystal Byers Originals.

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  12. Pingback: The Unspoken Promise vs. The Spoken One – Nelsapy

  13. I chose ENJOY for my word of the year. I try to post weekly, too– however I recently decided to revise my schedule to being a fortnightly blog. I’m giving myself the grace to be elsewhere, thus adding [I hope] more joy to my life.

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  15. This reminds me of the value of accepting life as a bittersweet experience, no more, no less. I don’t choose where lightning strikes or rainbows shine, but I can be here in attention to the wonder of both. Expectations of anything different can only add suffering.

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  17. WoW! A time for a few tears over this fantastic read! Some experience all of this in their long 75 years! A time to live a long life and love a whole lot more…..especially, YoU❣️
    💕Dana – Nana – Nina – Mom

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    1. Years ago when I was living in the La Quinta and struggling in general, Pamela told me flowers don’t bloom every day. And This past year, the Ecclesiastes verse keeps popping up out of no where. Sending much love, Nana Dana Mom!

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  18. Pingback: The Unspoken Promise vs. The Spoken One – khanzweb

  19. Oh my, I’ve made the same promise, I miss on occasion, and I try not to beat myself up! I don’t always feel inspired, but if I can get out a few sentences the flow sometimes lifts me up and takes off on its own. Other times it’s a struggle. I feel your pain Crystal! My readers have told me repeatedly to calm down, they can wait for the next post, whenever that might be! Be good to yourself. Hugs, C

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    1. Grace! I’m practicing, and practice makes progress. Grace for self and others. Especially with those self-imposed, unspoken, therefore, unofficial goals. Thanks for the understanding and support, Cheryl! ❤️

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