Happy New Year, friends! As is the custom for many, I’m tiptoeing into the next twelve months with a particular word in mind. Nothing magical or audacious about it, merely something I can ponder, observe, work on, and hopefully learn from as the year unfolds. So… my “one word” for 2026 is: TIME.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (Gandalf) ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
As I’m in the empty nest and grandparenting era, perhaps I’m becoming ever more aware that TIME is indeed fleetingly precious and I desperately long to use my TIME wisely.
“Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” Psalm 39:5
How can it be that the older you get, the faster TIME flies? I imagined life would slow down and TIME would be my delicious comfy couch where I could lounge and luxuriate in excess hours of… well, I’m not sure exactly what, but it would be REALLY perfect! Alas, those grains of sand slip through the hourglass at an alarming rate with each passing year—and I, for one, want to make every single day count.
“We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.” —John F. Kennedy
It seems being intentional with our TIME is a gift to ourselves and to others. It’s easy to fritter it away with mind-numbing pursuits like our old pals Netflix, YouTube, endless socials- scrolling, and the like. Guilty! 🙋🏼♀️ Therefore, my need for all the wisdom is real.
“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Psalm 90:12
Here’s the thing—there is most certainly a time for play, for rest, for relaxation. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for everything. For me, that means planning well and making time for what is truly important in my life:
*Faith—time to grow deeper in the Word, prayer, and fellowship
*Family—time to be fully present with my loved ones
*Fitness—time to focus on my health (it’s getting more challenging with age!)
*Friends—time to invest in meaningful relationships
*Writing—time to accomplish my book goals and dreams
*Resting—time to enjoy the beauty of creation, a good book, travel
*Playing—time to have guilt-free fun
*Serving—time to put the needs of others before my own
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver
My prayer for 2026 is that I will not be hurried by TIME, but I will embrace and make the very best of it with serving hands, encouraging words, and a loving heart. New Year’s resolutions intimidate me a wee bit, but I think I can handle TIME goals with a goodly helping of prayer!
If you have “one word” for this year, would you share it in the comments below? 🙂 We’d love to know.
Every blessing to you for 2026…
P.S. This year, if you want to stay up to date with all my writing news, plus enjoy paperback book giveaways, reading recommendations, and baking recipes—be sure to sign up for my free monthly newsletter, LAURA’S LETTERS and get your freebie HERE.
