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.