It’s here. Ready or not – 2025 is now in our rearview mirror, and 2026 is ready to start its sprint. During these past couple months, I’ve pondered what “my word” for the year would be. I started my focus-word a few years ago. Back in 2023, I wanted to consider it all JOY. Then, in 2024 when church membership was suffering a downward spiral, I knew I needed to TRUST Him with each step, each day, each turn. Towards the end of 2024, I was overwhelmed with the word HOPE, and I chose it for “my word”. Only God could’ve orchestrated how HOPE would get me through the next year. Finally, 2026 was sneaking up on me, but…my connection to a word was dismal. Various options popped into my head… Good, Shine, Be, Rest, Reach, Laugh, Breathe.

One of the words snuck into my thoughts more than the others, yet I’d brush it off and consider more options. Seriously! I even looked up “lists of words of the year” because there HAD to be a better choice. Surely there’s a better word to focus this year’s mindset. Why? The word made me feel…guilty.

I’m known for my activity, my work, my busyness, my to-do-list. My word seemed the OPPOSITE of all of that. Why would THAT be my focus? Then, I started looking into the word and into the scriptures that connect to it. Ah, yes…I see. I get it now. My word – REST – isn’t saying I should nap everyday (but I’m all in for a good nap), it’s not saying to sleep the day away (but anyone who knows me is aware I guard my bedtime like Fort Knox), it’s not saying to STOP doing, serving, and impacting others. So….what is it saying?

Rest is a little word that infers several BIG words. To truly REST, you must first TRUST. Trust that God is in control, trust that He will take care of things, trust your steps, your worries, and your load to His guidance. So, in order to truly REST, I must first TRUST.

Trust that provides us REST triggers the presence of PEACE. Our worries and anxiousness are replaced with a trickle of peace that grows into a peace that surpasses understanding. A peaceful spirit allows your brain to calm and your body to sleep. A rested body serves more faithfully, works more diligently, & shines more joyfully.

So….why? Why should REST be my word? That was a lot easier to decipher. I tend to let life overwhelm me…to let my to-do-list determine my steps. My to-do-list isn’t bad, but it can sidetrack what would help my mindset…my spirit’s peace.

My father’s passing back in May wasn’t expected, and the new chapter it started added more to my weekly to-do-list. My challenging teaching assignment this year tends to consume my energy. It derailed my exercise plan. It alters my mindset. My ministry responsibilities at RiverStone are ALL things I enjoy, but they also consume a lot of time, energy, and brainpower. So as I pondered all those aspects of my life, I heard Elsa singing, “Let it go, let it go.” To be honest, I first heard His word.

Ahh, yes. I’m tired. I love my family. I know I’m called to teach. I treasure my church and ministry opportunities. But…it can be a lot. My mom often says to me, “Jodi, you need to rest. If you don’t rest, you’re going to get sick.” I actually researched (as in…Googled it) and learned that she is right. When we become exhausted from life’s responsibilities, our immune system can be weakened. A weakened immune system makes us more susceptible to illness.

But beyond physical weakness, it also depletes are spirit of its joy and heart of its purpose. So, let us find rest.

That’s it. My WORD is rest. I will REST in the Lord, and that can happen only when I trust Him. That trusting rest will prompt the presence of peace. A peaceful well-rested Jodi will make a more impacting daughter of the One True God. What about you? What’s your word for 2026? If you don’t have one, why not take a REST and TRUST God to give you PEACE as you walk this journey with Him.

The new year, 2026, may be ready to start its sprint tomorrow (because it’s a holiday today – LOL), but…I vote to let it rest…and take each day…one step at a time. Allowing it to become ALL that GOD has ordained it to be.

But….before I log off to REST & relax on this chilly New Year’s Day, I’m going to share the REST of the verses & thoughts I found focused on REST.

Did you make it to the end? If so, congratulations! My boys (RockyTop & BlackTop) are advocating for me to enjoy a little REST. Peace Out.