One Word Jumpstart
Dear Teacher,
Every New Year's Eve, I set in my heart one resolution. No, it's not a commitment to wellness. Nor is it a re-dedication to meal-prep and whole grains. It's nothing like that. Instead, it's One Word. A single word that captures life-meaning in a new way for me.
It's something I pray over as the prior year creeps to an end. I ask for the Holy Spirit to wisdom-nudge me to choose the One Word He intends. I pray for guidance in this focus area -- That it be a lesson I need to learn, a character trait I need to develop, or a growth area that I'm lacking. And my One Word resolution has served me well, often offering hope out of hurt.
...Like the year my mom's infringing diagnosis limited her ability to grandparent, I chose CAPACITY.
...Like the year my boss accused me of being harsh and critical, I chose GENTLENESS.
...Like the year our family was reeling from relocation, I chose HEALING.
And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, may very well be reeling from the injury of school years' past. Perhaps you've dealt with professional trauma from former colleagues. Maybe you're entering the new school year exhausted from battling during last. Quite possibly you're injured from historical school "ouchies' that you still carry with you.
Whatever it is, choose the One Word He intends for your school year. In the freshness of 2025-2026, give the Holy Spirit space to teach YOU as you teach others. And lead your students in choosing One Word for their own emotional growth, too (see tools and tips below).
And, since you're wondering, I'll share my One Word for this year: Fresh. Yup. Fresh. As in, fresh start; Fresh heart. That sums it up in One Word.
Starting with you,
Christian Educator & School Counselor