I went to church today to hear the start of the new Winter Sermon Series, ‘Healing Hidden Hurts’. The pastor tasked with kicking it off is one of my favorites. He is older, has lived in a few different places around the country, and never feels too ‘preachy’. On this Sunday, his sermon was about procrastination. I am not sure if his topic fell soundly within the website description of this sermon series. However, procrastination is something I can relate to, and most always my tendency to procrastinate is tied to perfectionism.
As I mentioned in last week’s post, my word for 2026 is play. The play I envision for my year is definitely not based on perfection. My play this year is allowing for messy experimentation. In addition to being reminded not to strive for perfection, the congregation was invited to receive a star word, just like it sounds, a single word written on a yellow, construction paper cutout of a star. As I approached the altar, a person holding the star-shaped basket invited me to take a star, just one. I thought about waiting until I got home to look at it, but I couldn’t resist.
My star word is stability.
Contrasts Often Offer Clarity
I am not sure if I like this word. I feel like my entire life has been an attempt to create stability while living on an ice flow. Always wondering if I was on solid ground or on a chunk ready to break away and float off. The procrastination pastor mentioned that he had not liked his star words many times in the past. A small consolation to be sharing a sentiment felt by a man of the cloth.
Stability, what am I going to do with this word? I do believe in playing by the rules. Since I played the game of picking a star, I am going to consider it as another guide for 2026. For starters I am curious about its definition and related words. My internet dictionary suggests that stability is to be constant, steady, resilient, and balanced. A little more digging reveals the Biblical meaning to be steadfast in one’s faith. I received the word in church. It seems appropriate to investigate the Biblical meaning.
I am going to embrace play and stability in 2026. Stability might just be play’s perfect companion. What would it look like if, whether or not I feel like I am living on an ice flow, I remain calm and consistent in my values? Focusing on balance within me and letting go of the rope, so to speak.
In case no one knocks on your door with a star shaped basket, you could pick your own star word. It could be a word that feels a little prickly to you or a word that feels somehow opposite of your initial 2026 pick.
A few examples:
Did you pick the word Confident? Then your star word could be Quiet. At first glance it feels a little bit opposite then you remember the authentic confidence of a person who follows their heart not needing to announce it or requiring an audience.
Did you pick Creativity? Then your star word could be Mimic. You are probably asking how do you practice creativity if you mimic something that has already been done? For starters, even if you tried to copy or mimic someone else’s creativity, the result will always have your signature touches. Think of when you made your friend’s famous chili recipes, or the people who translate books and movie dialogue from one language to another. Mimicry can inspire its own creative outcomes.
In the spirit of play and stability, I invite you to pick one word or ten or forgo the whole exercise. I do urge you to pay attention to what gives your life meaning, look for where you find joy. You are the author of your own life.