“The difference between the almost right word and the right
word is really a large matter- it’s the difference between the lightning bug
and the lightning.”
Those who write attempt to say what many others cannot. They
strive to portray thoughts and feelings for which many others have no words,
oftentimes spending days searching for the right ones themselves. I delight in
this complexity of writing. Languages fascinate me, and I am enthralled by the
intricacies of words; how the absence, addition, or alteration of a single word
can bring an entirely different meaning to a sentence.
There is a vast difference between a statement that reads, “I
like painted art,” and another that states, “Painted art transfixes me.” Is
there not?
Sentences with power and unique meaning are compiled of elaborately
placed and chosen words, and the results can be astonishing.
This all came about as I was listening to a song just a few
days ago. It was a worship song with which I am highly familiar (as it is one
of my favorites), and though I have sung the lyrics numerous times before, I
was this time struck by the significance of a single word.
The lyrics sang, “Tuya
soy. Tuya soy. Cristo, tuya soy.” I am yours. I am yours. Jesus, I am
yours.
The word that so struck me was “soy.” I am.
Why is this significant? Because in the Spanish language
there are two ways of discussing who or what you are. To say, “I am,” you can
say “estoy” or “soy,” and they both mean something separate. The lyrics would
have translated the same had they been, “Tuya estoy. Tuya estoy. Cristo, tuya
estoy,” but the meaning would have been changed.
The differences between soy
and estoy are large in number, though
in this context they can be simplified. Estoy
is used more commonly with temporary feelings, ailments, or locations. Things
such as, “I am sick,” or, “I am hungry,” or, “I am at work,” can be expressed
by using estoy. These are temporary
states that do not remain unchanged; such does not describe your life on a
daily basis.
However, soy is
used more commonly to define the characteristics of a person. One can convey
more concrete facts such as, “I am a woman,” or, “I am left-handed.” These are
solidified identities about the person you are; pieces of yourself that will
not change ten days nor ten years from now.
All of this to say that there is greater meaning when
professing to Jesus, “Tuya soy.” It does not mean, “I am yours today, but we've still to see about tomorrow.” Not, “I am yours now, but there is a possibility
that could change.” Nor does it say, “I am yours until x,y, or z happens, and
then you can forget about it.”
Tuya soy means
that you are His forever, and being
His is a characteristic of who you are. It is not a job you work part-time or
something you decide to be when convenient. It’s not a title you claim on
good days and cast aside on the bad ones. Nor should it ever be any of these.
Being a disciple and servant of Jesus should be a
characteristic as staple and permanent as, “I am Mary.”
After inspired by the song, I wrote this in my journal the
other day:
“It’s unbelievable to me how simple it is, but that song
says it so perfectly. Have I made being a servant to Jesus a characteristic of
who I am? I've decided that being discipled by God and in service to Jesus
needs to be my life, and all else
more like a part-time job.”
Committing your life to God should be the most prominent and
influential commitment in your life. It should be a promise that is given as
much (if not more) time, energy, and effort as any school degree, career
opportunity, or goal for which you strive. It should be so deeply written on
your heart that it becomes an innate part of who you are.
For if it is all this, you can truly profess to Jesus that
you are his- in the forever way.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. -Psalm 62:7-8
