I don’t know if you’re a new year’s resolution kind of person. I used to be, with limited success. I picked the usual suspects. Stay fit, save money, yada, yada. But a few years ago I started a new tradition. Instead of picking 2 or 3 resolutions to focus on, I picked a single word.

Maybe you can focus on a few big things at once. I do better with one. One word for the new year. One guiding word to focus on. The past couple of years its been “discipline” and “presence.”

Over the next few days, between football and napping, take some time to reflect back on 2014. What were the moments of joy and celebration? Struggle and disappointment? Journal if that helps you or just share with your family. Then come up with a word for 2015. Think about what’s coming in the next year for you. What would be one word or idea that could guide you and keep you focused on loving God and loving others? One word as a lens through which to see 2015, helping you be intentional about life instead of just letting life happen to you.

Jesus, of course, was the master at staying on track no matter what was going on around him. Putting the Kingdom first, all else second. Jesus was never a bystander, just letting life pass him by. He was focused and determined, and it allowed him to stay faithful to his mission, even and especially during the darkest times. Not my will, but yours.

Now, this little exercise might not be for everyone but why not give it a shot? Yes, you might forget your word by March, especially if you’ve never done something like this before. That’s ok. Maybe your word should be “grace.”

If you pick a word, put it in the comments below. No explanation needed. (You could also pick a guiding verse for the year or a section of Scripture instead of just one word.)

I will come back here and share mine in another week or so.

May God bless you, your family, and Singing Oaks in 2015.