It’s no secret at this point our family has been through a lot. I often focus on my perspective in writing here, but don’t mistake my “I” language for an inability to recognize that “we” have flat out gone through it! I’ve had such a year (decade?) of reflection and growth. Sometimes by choice, sometimes out of necessity. I’m not here to list resolutions. In my opinion I am always moving…forward or backward…to or from…so 2024 will ebb and flow with goals, ideas, failures and hopefully a few successes just like the last few years. I’d like to do a little better today than I did yesterday, and a little better tomorrow than I did today. When I get that wrong, as I often do, I’ll give myself the grace to try again.

I did, however, want to think about a theme or word for the year. Something that can help me be centered and settled despite that never ending pursuit of “better”. To remind me that while I am confidently and humbly working on self-improvement, I am also “enough”, and loved just as I am. That while I will continue my awkward, numerous, and at times humorous failing pursuits…my life is held in hands far better than my own anyway. A reminder that even when I don’t “got this”, God’s got me.

I’ve chosen Peace.

Peace can imply and mean all sorts of things. For me, in 2024, I believe it means this: 

  • Not at war. (That’s a little dramatic, but hear me out.) Not mid struggle, not fighting, not suiting up for a battle. No wars. Just…in a time of peace. 
  • Seeking a Peace through God that “surpasses understanding”. To be so at peace that it makes no worldly sense.
  • Allowing that Peace to let me trust more. Trust that His plans are better than mine. That He doesn’t need my help. (Even though I’m a really good helper, God! 🙂 ) That even when I don’t get it – I can trust that it is a good plan, and be at peace with it.

If you know me in person, and catch me at war, not trusting, or flat out waking up and choosing chaos you can remind me of this. 😉

So…Peace be with you, and Lord willing, with me too!

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.