It’s that time of year again. At the end of every December, I like to reflect on the previous year. I like to think about what I’m proud of, what went well, and what I’d like to change or improve. This year was a great year-not perfect, as no year is EVER perfect- but still a pretty great year.

Lately, I’m contemplating making some big changes. My family is healthy and my husband and the kids are doing well. I am doing well. Sometimes, at the end of the day, my job leaves me questioning if this is really what I want to do each day. Don’t get me wrong- I love my students, both past and current, but sometimes I wonder if this is really what God wants me to do.

I’ve prayed a lot. I’ve thought a lot. I’ve journaled a lot. Still, I seem to have no answers or a clear direction as to what lies ahead. Don’t you wish sometimes your answer would just fall out of the sky and hit you over the head? Me too, but it isn’t that simple. As I watch, pray and wait, I’m going to turn my focus to…direction.

My 2023 word of the year is “direction.” When you Google the word “direction,” you get this:

Google Maps isn’t much help to me for seeking THIS destination. I’d like to add a few questions to this as well.

Where DO I want to go? Where does GOD want me to go? What do I have in mind for my destination? What does God want my destination to be? How will I get there? What will I do to make this direction/journey/destination move from a dream to a plan? So many questions.

This year, I want the word “direction” to serve as the basis for change. What direction will I go? No matter which direction I choose, I need to focus on another use of the word “direction.” I need to listen for and rely on direction from God. What’s His plan for me? What does HE desire for me?

I’m probably the least patient person on the planet, and sometimes it’s too easy for me to get tired of waiting and try to carve out my own path or direction, and totally ignore God’s. That’s not what I want to do in 2023.

This is a bit more transparent than I intended to be, but if you’re a praying person, I will not only welcome but appreciate all your prayers during this time of direction and shifting my focus (I almost chose “focus” for my word of the year). Please pray that I will discover God’s direction for my future and that I will be willing and ready to listen.

Have a fantastic day. If you choose a word of the year, I’d love to hear all about it.