As another year approaches, there’s a familiar pressure to rush into what’s next. We set new goals, make new plans, or write down new declarations. But this year, I’m choosing something different. Instead of starting with my one word for the new year, I want to start with saying goodbye before saying hello.
Before saying hello to 2026, I want to say a proper goodbye to 2025. In 2025, my word for the year was “Make Room.” Jo Saxton teaches the importance of honoring endings before rushing into beginnings, and that wisdom is on my heart as I make room to say goodbye. We cannot truly step forward if we refuse to pause, reflect, and release the past.
Say Goodbye
- There are joys from this year that deserve our gratitude.
- There are losses that deserve our grief.
- There are prayers that were answered, and others that we are still waiting for.
All of it matters.
Saying goodbye begins with listening. Not filling the silence with plans, but making room for God to speak. It is time in prayer that isn’t hurried or transactional, but honest and attentive. It’s a time of waiting, not passively, but actively leaning on Him and trusting.
Scripture reminds us:
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14, ESV
Waiting requires surrender. It asks us to loosen our grip on the timing and resist the urge to manufacture our own clarity. Instead of asking, “What should I accomplish next year?” Let’s start by asking, “God, what are You asking me to let go? What do You want to heal, shape, or restore in my life?”
Saying goodbye to 2025 means naming what was significant, thanking Him for His faithfulness, and releasing what does not belong in the next season.
This year, may our prayer be simple:
Lord, give me an open heart before a full calendar. Give me listening ears before lining up my plans. Fill me with the courage to wait on You instead of rushing ahead.
Our goals can come later. For now, let’s choose to wait in His presence.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ponder what you need to say goodbye to. And for this week‘s screensaver click here.