A Small Act of Openness

Reflections on my Words of the Years

If you told me four years ago how transformative choosing a Word of the Year would be for my personal relationship with God, I would have raised an eyebrow at the most and thought: oh cute. Hah! What started as a small activity—choosing and sharing a word with my women’s book club inspired by the Abiding Together Podcast—has grown into a deeply personal, relationship-building practice. If you’ve never heard of this practice, I encourage you to listen to each WOTY podcast episode from the years prior here.

Over the years, I’ve come to see how God uses these words as a lens to shape and guide my journey. As I look back, I’m amazed at His intentionality, weaving these words into the fabric of my life, often in ways I only understand much later.

Why a Word of the Year?

Choosing a word of the year is a simple yet meaningful way to cultivate a personal relationship with God. It’s easy to feel like just another child of God, rather than a beloved, unrepeatable, daughter. Each word I have received feels uniquely mine—a touchpoint where the Lord and I can connect in times of joy, sorrow, wonder, or questioning. It has become a thread between me and Him, connecting my experiences to His greater plan.

My Words Through the Years

2021 — Sensitivity

This was the year I discovered Pope Francis’ encyclical Christus Vivit. It inspired me to be attuned to the stirrings in my heart. With this sensitivity, I made the courageous decision not to return to my corporate job after maternity leave. Instead, I stepped into self-employment: a dream that allowed me to stay home with Lilo, while exploring how I can contribute meaningfully through digital marketing and design. It was a year of saying yes to God’s gentle whispers.

2022 — Entrust

Life took unexpected turns this year. We let go of a path we thought would be a big part of our family vision, and needed to rebuild a shared vision and foundation in our marriage. Work felt unstable as I explored the many different routes I could take mothering and working at home. We also found ourselves weighing the possibility of relocating our family to another province. We took Lilo on her first plane ride to explore potential neighbourhoods in the area, only to realize we were called to entrust all these uncertainties to the Lord. This word became my anchor through the ups and downs.

2023 — Subtract

When I first heard this word, I was intimidated. Subtract felt stark. Less polished than “Refine” or “Polish,” and far from comforting words like “Peace.” I initially thought, well… The Lord knows I have a hard time saying no, so perhaps He is giving me clear instructions to remove all the excess from my life. But as the year unfolded, we lost much of we thought was secure: work stability, our home, and, most heartbreakingly, our everything… Lilo. This year was raw and painful. It taught me profound surrender. In times when I was angry and confused, I knew I had been given this word, and chose/choose to continue believing in the Truth that my Father is good. Throughout my life, it’s all I had ever come to know of Him. I know Him.

2024 — Ask / Daughter

After a year of holding my breath in complete fight or flight, I felt the Lord’s gentle invitation to draw closer. To become more like the little baby Estelle, whom we welcomed into the world in January 2024. Innocent. Completely dependent. And yet, held immeasurable worth. My word, Daughter, captured the tension of being a child who didn’t understand her Father’s plans but still trusted His goodness. I also felt Him inviting me to make more bold asks of Him. Where in the past, I always questioned what God could do for me, and instead leaned on self-reliance. This year was about asking Him boldly. Placing my dreams into His hands and allowing myself to dream with Him again.

2025 — Obey

This year’s word feels daunting. Obedience has never been my strength. I had been so used to giving myself a pass, in the name of greater efficiency, but at the expense of my health and long-term sustainability. Obedience this year calls me to an increase in humility and in leadership. If this word had come to me in 2021, I likely would have rejected it outright. But I look back and see God, in His wisdom, had truly prepared me for this time, guiding me through seasons of trust and surrender. Now, I’m ready to say, “Let it be done.”

Co-Authoring with God

What stands out as I reflect on these words is the deep intentionality of God’s hand in my life. Each word is a chapter in the story we’re writing together. His work often becomes clearest in hindsight: In the details I might have missed in the moment, but now see as evidence of His presence.

I step into 2025 with both reverence and hope, ready to embrace this word and the unfolding story it holds. Perhaps, like me, you’ll consider inviting God into your own life story through the practice of praying for and receiving a word. It’s a small act of openness that can lead to profound trust and transformation.

St. Lilo, pray for us!