Every year, I ask God to help me choose a word or phrase to concentrate on throughout the year. To center my attention on when times get tough. Sometimes I figure out my focus for the New Year several months before the end of said year. Sometimes it’s a few weeks before.
This year, I found the phrase on the Sunday before New Year’s Day. I’m not really surprised. November and December were extraordinarily busy months for me. 2025 was that kind of year.
But I’m fine. Everything’s fine. (Not totally, but God’s grace is still sufficient)
Anyway, I’m focusing on the good that happened in 2025 and on what lies ahead.
My word for 2026 is engage. I liked this definition when I was studying: Active, whole-hearted participation and commitment in faith, relationships, and service.
When you’re in survival mode, you lose a lot. When you are taking one minute at a time, you can’t see very far ahead. The time has come to engage again. Life is a bit slower and more settled. I’m learning to say no more often. To stifle that scream within that thinks I should help everyone all the time, to the detriment of myself and my calling.
I want to hear God.
Follow His lead.
Walk His path.
So, in 2026, I will be more engaged with God first, my family next, then my calling and ministry. My writing. I’m ready to be “all in” again.
How about you? Do you have a focus for each year to keep you grounded?
