Words for 2021: What’s Yours?

In 2020, my word was TRUST… and I could have never guessed how much I would need it, from the challenges we all faced–covid, the lack of respectful dialogue in our country–to personal challenges including a bad fall on my front teeth. (Trust, good dental care, and loving friends got me through that one.)

This year, I’m going with REST. Not that I’m not going to do anything in 2021 but I’m going to gently set aside some things that sap me. My Scripture verse will be Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (NRSVCE). I need to remember Christ provides more rest than worrying about the future or about overcommitments does.

I asked my eletter subscribers for their word of 2021, and their reason for sharing it. Here’s a sampling. Maybe they’ll inspire you! Please share yours below if you like:

• “Because of an injury in September that is still healing after two surgeries, my life has changed significantly yet with spiritual treasures being added. My word for this year is SIMPLIFY. This will bring the order, peace and a calmness I’ve been lacking as well as more time for prayer.” (Nancy; congrats to Nancy, who was selected at random to receive a $25 gift card toward a resource to help her live her word.)
• “The wise always seem to recommend living in the present.  This year, my word will be REMEMBER — an invitation both to stop living in the future (otherwise known as anxiety) and to be comforted by the fact that God has already brought me through every impossible moment of the past.  If I REMEMBER . . . really remember . . . the future becomes much more doable, no matter what impossible moments it seems poised to bring.” (Kathy)
• “I choose the word JESUS. I want to keep my eye on Jesus in everything.” (Vera)
• “My one word for 2021 is HOPE. Here’s why: As I wait for the pandemic to end, I’m holding onto hope that is there for me no matter what — the hope that Jesus offers. I hope my circumstances will change for the better in 2021 once various situations improve (including the pandemic ending). But right now, I can still have hope even before circumstances change, because hope from Jesus transcends all circumstances. That hope is based on Jesus’ constant presence in all situations.” (Whitney)
• “My word for 2021: GRATITUDE.  I’ve decided to seek out what I can be thankful for, even when it looks like a great opportunity to complain.  Even if the gratitude is strictly based on what I’ve learned from <whatever>.” (Erin)
• “My word for the year is PEACE. It is the promise cord to which I cling as my world continues to change. My husband  has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; our grandson who has Addison’s has been having complications that doctors cannot pinpoint; and of course there is covid and the changes that have come as a result. We have been zooming to church in another state where our son is filling in for his pastor who resigned after his daughter died and left him and his wife with the responsibility of raising her three children. My son has a full-time job and the added job is stretching him. Through it all God has been lavishing peace on our family. So amazed at His faithfulness. When He makes a promise, He keeps it! Philippines 4:7: His peace surpasses my comprehension and guards my heart and mind.” (Sue)
• “I want TRUST to be my word. I need to be able to trust in my path.” (Janet)
• “My word for the year is TRAILBLAZE and it was assigned through Jen Fulwiler’s word generator. I have to admit I am anything but a trailblazer. After shaking my head a bit, I thought that perhaps this year I should step outside my comfort zone. Do different things. Cut a new path for myself. I’ve been in a creative and spiritual rut, and this seemingly irrelevant word has encouraged me to, at the very least, MAKE AN EFFORT to move forward in those areas. We’ll all moving toward the same goal, but are taking such different routes. Maybe it’s time for me to stop following g and take initiative in my growth.” (Maria)
• “My word is HOPE, which may have been the same as last year but with the things that are for me, I hope for the best. Health, living situation, a new dog who needs doggie classes, my 98 year old dad who I love so much and is truly an inspiration of positive thought.” (Julie)
• “RELINQUISH is the word that resonates with me.  It’s a multilayered word!  On one hand, I need to relinquish control of my life and the lives of my family to God.  I also need to relinquish the physical possessions that are the clutter in my life.” (Christina)
• “Radiant was the first word that came on my radar – to shine like the light of Christ – but … but then another word jumped ahead – KIND. Before I can shine fully I need to practice being kind – to myself and to those around me.  Then I received a text from my aunt – ‘To new beginnings. Stay safe and may the New Year be kinder to us all.’ It was the affirmation I needed.” (Anna)