Word For the Year

As we say goodbye to 2020, let’s take a moment or two to look forward to 2021. One of the ways I wrap my head around a new year is to establish a Word For the Year. But it’s a process. There are many great words out there to choose from.

Do I want my word to reflect service? Yes, but that’s not fine-tuned enough. I want to always strive to serve.

I thought about having my word for the year be writing. But that, too, limits what I may do. I’m also a speaker, so would speaking not be where I put my attention?

Or maybe goal setting. I have a brand new journal for the year that I’m eager to bust into and start writing my goals in. But that doesn’t look very different than the years before.

Finding a word for the year takes time. Then it hit met-FOCUS! I decided my word for 2021 is Focus.

Why Focus?

Last year was filled with trauma and distractions. Many lives were rocked to their foundation. Death and disaster were at every turn.

• Pandemic catastrophes
• Political mayhem
• Financial chaos

That was enough to make anyone want to crawl under the blanket and never come out to see the light of day again. It looked like change was everywhere; like nothing was constant.

But that’s not true

God tells us about a constant–His love.

• I will never leave you … Hebrews 13:5. That’s a constant.
• … In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33. Another constant.
• … And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20. A calming constant.
• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. The granddaddy of God’s constants.

 

Think About It

God knew 2020 would come with all its ugliness. He knew we would experience the heartache and fear that came with it. Because of that and so many other reasons, I choose to focus on God. I will mourn the losses and celebrate the victories that meet me in 2021, but my focus will be on who holds my future.

My Knower (that place inside where truth lives), is bracing me for 2021 with its new and different challenges. But I choose to focus on what my purpose is in those challenges. While I do not want to hear reports on new uglies, I cannot let them sway me. I am confident God holds my future, no matter what happens.

And that’s a pretty solid truth to focus on.

 

What about you?

What will your word of the year be? Do you think a word could bring you closer to God? Are you willing to give a few days of your life to find out? How do you plan on starting 2021? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.