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Greg Smith

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Star Word for 2023 (#2025)

2023/01/02 By Greg

I’ve resisted engaging in the growing practice of “star words” for long enough.

For the first time ever, I’ve received a star word for 2023: clarity.

Clarity

Clarity is a word that resonates deeply with me. I trust that my life will be better because of the time I’ll devote to achieving greater clarity in 2023.

Transition

The years 2021 and 2022 were marked by transitions, including

  • new professional roles for my partner (2022) and myself (2021)
  • new home (2022) and renewed focus on opening our home to others
  • renewed awareness of mortality after being assaulted (2022) and the passing of my partner’s father (2022)

And, more broadly, life since 2020 has been lived in pandemic time – an extended season of transitions and a lengthy journey toward the “next normal.”

So What?

Realizing grater clarity in 2023 will be a holistic pursuit.

  • Personally – I relocated to my hometown a few months ago (a place I’ve lived longer than all others combined). Later this year I’ll celebrate 25 years of marriage. I’m entering a new stage of life, which seems an ideal time for seeking clarity.
  • Professionally – I’ve served nine congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations, and shepherded two faith-based non-profit organizations. As we enter 2023, I’m a little more than a year and a half into the role of Executive Director of White Rock Center of Hope. At the end of 2022, our Board of Directors approved a new, expanded mission statement alongside a new vision statement and core values. In Q1 and Q2 we will embark on strategic planning to help us gain clarity about our future.

I invite you to secure and live in to your own star word for 2023 and/or to reflect on how “clarity” might serve as a guiding intention in your life for the year ahead.

Note: If your faith community does not participate in the “star word” tradition you’ll find many online lists of words, which could be chosen using a random number generator and some sites that have a built in assignment engine.

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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