Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders.
Those are words from the worship song, “Oceans.”
My heart knows the lyrics well, especially as I begin a new year.
Some of you are ready to dive into the new year headfirst. Not me. I’m more of a big-toe-in-the-water-first kind of gal. I like to test the waters. You will never read about me taking a Polar Plunge or even an ice bath. I don’t even want to get my hair wet when swimming. That may have to do with the big hair and perms in the 1980s.
Before I digress into a squirrelly abyss about my fear of deep water and my hair issues, let me direct your attention to the new year.
Fear of what 2026 holds is real, perhaps because of the tumultuous 2025. It was a very bad, awful, scary, and painful year. I feel like the big bad wolf knocked on my door so many times.
For me, fear of the unknown is like walking into shallow water, anticipating stepping on or into something I can’t see in the dark, and thinking I’m going to get hurt. The big bad wolf has been known to sneak up behind me and push me into deep waters where I find myself floundering. The Grinch isn’t the only mean one; the big bad wolf is, too.
For the past several years, I have chosen a WOTY (Word of the Year). For 2026, it’s DELIGHT. Honestly, I wrestle with that word. It sounds like such a light word after such a heavy year. Perhaps it’s what I need. So, of course, I started researching it.
Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard
Delight: To find something that gives great pleasure. To see what is enjoyable. Did you know that manna is a synonym for delight? It can also mean rejoice. Oh, how my heart needs to rejoice.
So how do I find “delight” in the new year?
First, I look for the manna. Scripture says to ask God for our daily bread, a.k.a. manna. I need to look for the things that give me delight every day.
Things that delight me:
Running into an old friend at the coffee shop. That first sip of a Crème Brule Latte at Bica Café. Hearing laughter coming from the table behind me. I delight in eavesdropping. Sometimes I want to say, “Could you speak a little louder?”
Starting a new book that has made its way to the top of my TBR stack (To Be Read). Then, savoring the last few pages of a delicious, sweet novel. I have a love/hate relationship with heart-grabbing reads. I don’t want them to end, as I’ve made friends with the characters. Then they have to leave.
Hearing my favorite worship song on the radio. My heart knows every lyric. (Thank you, Megan Woods, for “The Truth.”)
Reading a scripture and thinking, “God knew I needed that promise.” The Psalms are always my favorite dwelling place.
Getting a message from a dear friend who I have never met yet knows my heart well. Writer friends, you know who you are.
Delighting in a kindness I saw shown either to me or someone else.
Sometimes the heaviness of hard days blinds me to the delights in my days. I need to be more aware and take notice. Delights are great weightlifters.
So, in 2026, I will find delight in each day. I will be keeping a journal of my daily delights.
If ever I need to be reminded to take notice of the good I find in each day, I only have to listen to the worship song, “Oceans”:
In oceans deep, my Faith will stand. Your grace abounds in deepest waters. My soul will rest in your embrace. You’ve never failed, and you won’t start now. For I am Yours and You are mine.
“And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts, and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 ESV
Here’s to a happy and blessed 2026 for each one of us!
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.
