Even the smallest act of kindness can lighten someone’s path and make their journey a little lighter.
Choosing this year’s word of the year was a little less random than in years past. Over the summer, I spent a few weeks reading My One Word by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. There are lots of suggestions in this book to help choose a word and to keep that word at the forefront of your thoughts throughout the year. It was helpful to look back through it as I was thinking about 2024 and what it would hold. One of the ways I look for a word is through confirmation after I’ve narrowed it down to just a few choices. And this year, LIGHTEN seemed to be popping up all over the place. I guess it was helpful that I picked the word around Epiphany. It seemed right though, and for whatever journey it will hold, it has become the watchword for my heart as I navigate the days ahead.
My word for 2024 is LIGHTEN. The word “lighten” resonates with a desire for relief, both physical and spiritual, for those around us. I see so much need around me for lighter burdens for others. Daily, I see people struggling with the basic requirements for living. Physically, spiritually, financially, professionally, privately…life isn’t that easy for many of us. There are so many things that I could do, simple small gestures that just might make someone feel a little lighter on their journey. A few ways I hope to LIGHTEN this world a bit in 2024 are:
Share kind words.
Listen with care and help others feel heard.
Share laughter.
Lend a hand where there is a need.
Encourage self-care for myself and others. Take a walk, a hot bath, or a moment to pray.
Be compassionate. Understand that everyone has struggles. Be kind without judgment.
Celebrate with others their achievements, their birthdays, and their joys!
There is a beautiful simplicity in the request. Lighten, Lord. Lighten people’s loads. Lighten our hearts. Lighten our paths to see You and find Your better way. May I shine Your Light and Love brightly in 2024 (and always)
And so, with the abundance and the simplicity that it holds for 2024, the Word is LIGHTEN. May it be so, Lord.
“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalms 18:28
“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Is 60:1
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Mt 5:14
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Mt. 4:16
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
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