Yogi Berra, an American baseball player and manager, said a lot of funny things. One that is apropos to this time of year is ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there.’ I say it’s apropos because it’s already 2025! Some of us remember Y2K, and here it is 25 years later. Did you get where you wanted to go over the last quarter century, or do you still not know where you’re going? Now is the time to make a plan for spiritual growth in the coming year. 

My One Word for last year was ‘know.’ To help me get to know Jesus better, I read a harmony of the gospels nine times, watched The Chosen, read several books and read the Psalms with a focus on how Jesus was in them. I feel I got to know him better, although knowing him takes longer than a lifetime. A ‘one word’ helps set the direction for the year and can give you a starting place.

Driving gives me a good space and time for thinking and praying and my latest short trip was no exception. The word ‘deep’ kept coming to my mind over the last few days and as I drove, it seemed to solidify. My prayer was ‘How do I go deeper, Lord?’ And he answered – start writing out your prayers. I’ve been using some written prayers from the 19th century, and while they are a good starting place, I’ve been needing more. I had already thought of writing out my own, but the Holy Spirit said, ‘Do it every day.’ I now have the beginning of a plan for the year. 

If you don’t know where you’re going – or if you don’t make a plan – you might not get there. With the Holy Spirit leading the way, we will grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, and we’ll definitely get where he wants us to go.

First published on 7 January 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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