It took me some time to choose my focus word for 2025. I started making a list in November and the list became overwhelming, I decided to put them in groups and narrowed it down to 10. I was looking for inspiration everywhere, trying to come up with an action word. I wanted something like “do”, but wanted something with a bit more of an impact.

The new year started and I still hadn’t selected my word. I was starting to get a bit anxious about it and realized it was no big deal, the word was for me and the fact I hadn’t chosen one affected nothing and no one else. My husband and I had a cruise planned for early January and I knew we both needed the down time and fun that always comes with a cruise. After boarding the ship, while we were still in port, very few elevators were operational, and I suggested we take the stairs. This is NOT normal for me. I’m not sure who was more surprised, him or me, but we both downplayed it and just rolled with it.

As the ship started to pull away from the port, my husband said “I think we are moving”. We looked out the window and sure enough we were sailing away. We headed out to join the others at the sail away party and on the way, it hit me…my word…MOVE. I thought about how I needed to move my body physically to increase my strength, I needed to move my mind to accomplish all of the things I wanted to do and simply didn’t, and I needed to move deeper in my relationship with Christ.

It’s now mid February and I have had mixed success with focusing on all the areas I need to MOVE. I have increased my physical movement and have started listening to and reading some Christian authors I have grown to admire. I have every confidence I will have more success as the year progresses. I’m reminded of the lyrics from one of my favorite Garth Brooks songs.

The River

You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin’ as it flows
And the dreamer’s just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what’s behind you
And never knowing what’s in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores

And I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
‘Til what we put off ’til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don’t you sit upon the shoreline
And say you’re satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide

Yes, I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry

There’s bound to be rough waters
And I know I’ll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all

Yes, I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I’ll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel
‘Til the river runs dry
‘Til the river runs dry

Move is the right word, placed in my thoughts and on my heart at a time when I was ready to listen. I am looking forward to where the movement will take me and hope that I am able to get out of my own way enough to enjoy the journey.