My “One Word” 2024

In what has become a year-end tradition, each December I prayerfully seek out a “one word” for the year ahead. Sometimes, it comes to mind easily. Other times it’s a struggle.

This year, thankfully, it came easily and early. And, because I was fairly confident about what it was, I was amused when God seemed to affirm it with two different experiences:

1. A couple of weeks ago, I headed to Walmart. On the way, although I’m not sure why, I noticed I was a little keyed up. Once inside, I wandered the necessary aisles and, after being there for about 10 minutes, felt significantly calmer. In fact, the entire experience seemed extra chill. I found myself thinking, “Huh, Tuesday mornings must be the time to come here.”
   
   Shortly after, I came across a subtle display that read, “Join us for sensory-friendly hours daily from 8am-10am. During these hours, you’ll experience a calmer shopping environment.” Bingo. It wasn’t just me and, I noticed the differences now. The lights were dimmer, there was no music, no PA announcements and, no flashing displays. My body had noticed before my brain. The difference was remarkable.
   
   
2. The second moment was, well, ridiculous. Pulling up to the pharmacy drive-thru, I paused the podcast I was listening to, pulled out my wallet, looked at something on my phone, and waited for the attendant. As she got on her little microphone to talk to me, I couldn’t hear anything. Uh oh, poor gal, her speaker wasn’t working.
   
   Trying to be helpful, I pointed to my ear and mouthed “I can’t hear you.” Oddly, she pointed back. Turns out, in all my multitasking, I had never rolled down my window. We both got a good laugh out of it but, good grief, I was clearly paying attention to too many things at once.

These two experiences have cemented the idea that my one word for 2024 is…

“Focus.”

While not a new realization, I am increasingly aware of how distraction and over-stimulation work against us. One of the truths of the human brain is that we can’t-not process stimuli. While we may not consciously absorb every message, our neurons are hard-wired to fire on every word, sound, ding, flash, or vibration. It’s how our senses work. And, with all the noise that exists, many of us are getting really tired, distracted, and over-stimulated.

It’s hard on our bodies. It’s hard on our brains. And, ultimately, it’s hard on our connections with one another, ourselves, and with God.

While “focus” may not be your word for the year, I invite you to join me in making a few adjustments if it sounds appealing to you. It’s part declaration that we will change how many things we are willing to juggle at one time. It’s also part permission to believe that if we’re not constantly plugged in and available the earth will keep spinning, we won’t miss out, and people can still reach us and get their needs met. It’s part freedom to realize that we are not meant to be the whole body of Christ but instead are responsible for our part (Eph. 2:10). And, lastly, it is part invitation to hear God’s voice as He uses it to lead us, to love us…

….and to remember to roll down the window.

Blessings in 2024.

Photo by Romain Vignes on Unsplash, used with permission

Interested in more? Link here for Anne’s blog, monthly newsletter, and Bible studies!