“I’m going to eat healthy.”

“I’m going to join a gym and workout at least 3 times a week.”

“I’m going to lose at least 10 pounds by Valentines Day.”

“I’m going to quit smoking.”

Have you ever made one of these promises or something similar for yourself? I know I have. New Years Resolutions have become a tradition that seem to bring the holiday season to a close. With the dawn of a New Year, we resolve the start of a new “me”.

I looked up resolution in the dictionary: The act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action.” (dictionary.com). I think people who make resolutions have every intention of succeeding. But the cold, dark evenings of January make it hard to get to the gym 3 times a week. And a few pounds have been lost but now the Valentine chocolates are calling our names. What I don’t like about New Years resolutions is the failure I feel when I don’t succeed.

Years ago I started a new personal tradition. I call it “My Word of the Year”. I give careful thought and prayer to find just the right word. My Word of the Year represents something I need to work on for self improvement. I always pray and ask God to tell me where I need to be better. Some of my words in years past have been simplify, flexibility, trust, tenacity and strength. Once I have decided on my word, I practice hard to develop and improve myself by living it. Some days are harder than others. But I have 365 of them so I don’t give up but just keep trying.

I have never been in the habit of telling others my word. Not that it is a secret; it’s just something I work on privately with God’s help. He guides me in all sorts of ways. Sometimes He tells me my word; sometimes He puts me in situations that test how I am doing. But even the times I fail, I know He loves me and never gives up on me.

My Word of the Year for 2025 is thankfulness. I want to be more aware and give thanks for my every day gifts. It may be a text from my sons, a laugh shared with friends, green traffic lights when I am running late, a comment or prayer request submission from you. And always God’s gifts of His unfailing love, His forgiveness and His guiding light.

My prayers are with you for a blessed 2025.

I am thankful you read this.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  2 Thessalonians 5:9