I am one of those people who like to pick a word for the year; an active, multi-layered (like a parfait), and stimulating word. Last year my word was “Trifurcate.” It means to take a three-pronged approach and my three prongs were 1) Pray First 2) Plan with Purpose 3) Love Well. I didn’t think anyone in my house really paid attention to my yearly process and then Bubba turned around on New Year’s Day and asked what this year’s word would be. He then listed off the choices of the last five years. My heart melted a bit and I told him I would let him know as soon as I knew!!

I had hunkered down during the last week of 2022 and remembered, reflected, and reviewed. Then I had taken a day to dream, brain dump, and even doodle about the year to come. I just LOVE doing that. I love dreaming and then coming up with a plan for what it might look like to achieve those dreams. As I age the Truth that “man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps”(Prov. 16:9) becomes more front and center, and this year that specific Truth affected my planning. The fact is, I walked away from 2022 more convinced than ever that the God I serve is the master of all things and I just want to walk faithfully with Him. He holds the future. He loves my kids. He is working all things to His glory. Why do I sit in fear and insist on holding the reins?

Now, don’t think for one second that this means I didn’t do ANY dreaming and planning. The Bible does say that man plans his ways, but I want this year to be one where I am consciously open-handed in the day-to-day. I want to be aware of the Holy Spirit moving and working. I want to see where God is at work and join him there! I want to “ walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [I] have been called.” (Eph. 4:10) And so my word for 2023 is:

Now, if you are anything like my son, you hear that and respond, “That’s kinda basic and boring, mom.” And to you, I will reply just as I did to him …

“Bubba! It’s basic AND nuanced! It might seem dull but it is actually dynamic … active … it communicates consistency and promotes longevity! Walking IS a basic “first” skill, but a commitment to walking daily promotes good health, and bit by bit those steps add up to great distances!”

His response? “Cool.”

Well, it IS cool and I am excited to walk through this year with my Master. Over the years I have realized there are eight things I am committed to in this life, but really two, and I’m excited to check out the scenery along the road as I love the God I’m walking with and love the people sharing the path. I’m eager to walk with my hands open as I seek to Create Beauty, Build Healthy Financial Habits, Work@Work, Play on Purpose, and Maintain Health and Wellness.

Speaking of health and wellness, I am also excited about actually walking more this year! After two years of doing 5K/Day (almost every day), I really slowed down in 2022, and I can tell. I feel tired and sluggish … so I am getting back out there! I’ve got my ear pods, audiobooks, and layers upon layers of clothing. I’m not going to let the snow stop me. I’m so committed that I put it on my “23 in 23” list!

So what about you? Do you like to pick a word for the year? Do you set goals? What are you hoping to see God do in and through you in 2023?