Not a Resolution, Not a Word * Just Jesus
Last year, I shared on Substack that every January, I notice bloggers choosing a special word to focus on for the year. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to think about this practice. But after some reflection and a little faith, I began to open my heart to it, and suddenly it made sense.
John 1:1–5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Bingo. I had my word for 2025—
It was Jesus.
For the second year in a row and hopefully for many more, I’m still choosing to recognize the Source of all words. It’s not because I’m indifferent or resistant to the idea; it’s simply that no single word feels big enough to capture everything this next year might bring. Or maybe I’m just not doing this word practice in-correctly.
Yeah, I know the name of Jesus isn’t a “regular” word. But as I did last year, I still want to focus on Him. Instead of choosing a theme, I want to center my attention on Jesus as a person. His character, His presence, His lordship, and how He leads me, and I surrender.
Not as a slogan. Not as something new. But as my everything.
For me, choosing Jesus is about enjoying His presence rather than focusing on my performance. This way I can embrace a way of living that is grounded, relational, and honest, especially in a world that often pushes us to constantly strive, fix ourselves, and keep up with everyone else. That’s not how I want to live.
Instead of focusing on who I want to become, I’m choosing to pay attention to who Jesus is and how He meets me right where I am. He’s my rest when I’m tired, my guiding light when I feel lost, and my source of hope when the path ahead isn’t clear. It’s a journey I’m embracing, and I’m grateful for His presence along the way.
There’s no pressure to “get it right” for me. It’s simply about approaching my daily life with intention, while doing laundry, having conversations, facing disappointments, celebrating joys, living with unanswered questions, and practicing quiet faithfulness. I want to embrace the journey. This is simply my way of naming the Source of steadiness and hope in my life, and the Lens through which I’m learning to live more attentively.
That’s where I started last year.
It’s where I’m choosing to begin this year
and, Lord willing, every year after.
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I’m sharing this personal post with you all. For years, I’ve kept these deep thoughts private and off my blog, and I still have times when I feel nervous about expressing myself this way. Honestly, it does not come naturally to me - It is me stepping out of my comfort zone. I also want to avoid any mean comments, like the ones I’ve encountered before. It's always upsetting when you pour your heart out in a post and get rude comments or people who want to argue with me.
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